We went on in this way for a long time, and it seemed likely that we should continue to go on in this way for a long time, when one day Miss Havisham stopped short as she and I were walking, she leaning on my shoulder; and said with some displeasure,--

     "You are growing tall, Pip!"

     I thought it best to hint, through the medium of a meditative look, that this might be occasioned by circumstances over which I had no control.

     She said no more at the time; but she presently stopped and looked at me again; and presently again; and after that, looked frowning and moody. On the next day of my attendance, when our usual exercise was over, and I had landed her at her dressing-table, she stayed me with a movement of her impatient fingers:--

     "Tell me the name again of that blacksmith of yours."

     "Joe Gargery, ma'am."

     "Meaning the master you were to be apprenticed to?"

     "Yes, Miss Havisham."