Great Expectations

It was past midnight when I crossed London Bridge. Pursuing the narrow

intricacies of the streets which at that time tended westward near the

Middlesex shore of the river, my readiest access to the Temple was

close by the river-side, through Whitefriars. I was not expected till

to-morrow; but I had my keys, and, if Herbert were gone to bed, could

get to bed myself without disturbing him.

As it seldom happened that I came in at that Whitefriars gate after the

Temple was closed, and as I was very muddy and weary, I did not take it

ill that the night-porter examined me with much attention as he held the

gate a little way open for me to pass in. To help his memory I mentioned

my name.

"I was not quite sure, sir, but I thought so. Here's a note, sir. The

messenger that brought it, said would you be so good as read it by my

lantern?"

Much surprised by the request, I took the note. It was directed to

Philip Pip, Esquire, and on the top of the superscription were the

words, "PLEASE READ THIS, HERE." I opened it, the watchman holding up

his light, and read inside, in Wemmick's writing,-"DON'T GO HOME."