Great Expectations

"Halloa, Mr. Pip!" said Wemmick. "You did come home, then?"

"Yes," I returned; "but I didn't go home."

"That's all right," said he, rubbing his hands. "I left a note for you

at each of the Temple gates, on the chance. Which gate did you come to?"

I told him.

"I'll go round to the others in the course of the day and destroy the

notes," said Wemmick; "it's a good rule never to leave documentary

evidence if you can help it, because you don't know when it may be put

in. I'm going to take a liberty with you. Would you mind toasting this

sausage for the Aged P.?"

I said I should be delighted to do it.

"Then you can go about your work, Mary Anne," said Wemmick to the little

servant; "which leaves us to ourselves, don't you see, Mr. Pip?" he

added, winking, as she disappeared.

I thanked him for his friendship and caution, and our discourse

proceeded in a low tone, while I toasted the Aged's sausage and he

buttered the crumb of the Aged's roll.

"Now, Mr. Pip, you know," said Wemmick, "you and I understand one

another. We are in our private and personal capacities, and we have been

engaged in a confidential transaction before to-day. Official sentiments

are one thing. We are extra official."

I cordially assented. I was so very nervous, that I had already lighted

the Aged's sausage like a torch, and been obliged to blow it out.

"I accidentally heard, yesterday morning," said Wemmick, "being in a

certain place where I once took you,--even between you and me, it's as

well not to mention names when avoidable--"

"Much better not," said I. "I understand you."

"I heard there by chance, yesterday morning," said Wemmick, "that

a certain person not altogether of uncolonial pursuits, and not

unpossessed of portable property,--I don't know who it may really

be,--we won't name this person--"

"Not necessary," said I.

"--Had made some little stir in a certain part of the world where a good

many people go, not always in gratification of their own inclinations,

and not quite irrespective of the government expense--"

In watching his face, I made quite a firework of the Aged's sausage,

and greatly discomposed both my own attention and Wemmick's; for which I

apologized.

"--By disappearing from such place, and being no more heard of

thereabouts. From which," said Wemmick, "conjectures had been raised and

theories formed. I also heard that you at your chambers in Garden Court,

Temple, had been watched, and might be watched again."