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."