When I came down again, I found Joe and Orlick sweeping up, without any

other traces of discomposure than a slit in one of Orlick's nostrils,

which was neither expressive nor ornamental. A pot of beer had appeared

from the Jolly Bargemen, and they were sharing it by turns in a

peaceable manner. The lull had a sedative and philosophical influence on

Joe, who followed me out into the road to say, as a parting observation

that might do me good, "On the Rampage, Pip, and off the Rampage,

Pip:--such is Life!"

With what absurd emotions (for we think the feelings that are very

serious in a man quite comical in a boy) I found myself again going to

Miss Havisham's, matters little here. Nor, how I passed and repassed

the gate many times before I could make up my mind to ring. Nor, how

I debated whether I should go away without ringing; nor, how I should

undoubtedly have gone, if my time had been my own, to come back.

Miss Sarah Pocket came to the gate. No Estella.

"How, then? You here again?" said Miss Pocket. "What do you want?"

When I said that I only came to see how Miss Havisham was, Sarah

evidently deliberated whether or no she should send me about my

business. But unwilling to hazard the responsibility, she let me in, and

presently brought the sharp message that I was to "come up."

Everything was unchanged, and Miss Havisham was alone.

"Well?" said she, fixing her eyes upon me. "I hope you want nothing?

You'll get nothing."

"No indeed, Miss Havisham. I only wanted you to know that I am doing

very well in my apprenticeship, and am always much obliged to you."

"There, there!" with the old restless fingers. "Come now and then; come

on your birthday.--Ay!" she cried suddenly, turning herself and her

chair towards me, "You are looking round for Estella? Hey?"

I had been looking round,--in fact, for Estella,--and I stammered that I

hoped she was well.

"Abroad," said Miss Havisham; "educating for a lady; far out of reach;

prettier than ever; admired by all who see her. Do you feel that you

have lost her?"

There was such a malignant enjoyment in her utterance of the last words,

and she broke into such a disagreeable laugh, that I was at a loss what

to say. She spared me the trouble of considering, by dismissing me. When

the gate was closed upon me by Sarah of the walnut-shell countenance, I

felt more than ever dissatisfied with my home and with my trade and with

everything; and that was all I took by that motion.




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