"Well, Mr. Pip, I think the sooner you leave here--as you are to be a gentleman--the better. Let it stand for this day week, and you shall receive my printed address in the meantime. You can take a hackney-coach at the stage-coach office in London, and come straight to me. Understand, that I express no opinion, one way or other, on the trust I undertake. I am paid for undertaking it, and I do so. Now, understand that, finally. Understand that!"

     He was throwing his finger at both of us, and I think would have gone on, but for his seeming to think Joe dangerous, and going off.

     Something came into my head which induced me to run after him, as he was going down to the Jolly Bargemen, where he had left a hired carriage.

     "I beg your pardon, Mr. Jaggers."

     "Halloa!" said he, facing round, "what's the matter?"

     "I wish to be quite right, Mr. Jaggers, and to keep to your directions; so I thought I had better ask. Would there be any objection to my taking leave of any one I know, about here, before I go away?"

     "No," said he, looking as if he hardly understood me.

     "I don't mean in the village only, but up town?"