Page 412 - GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Great Expectations

set upon her, though her influence on my boyish life and
character had been all-powerful, I did not, even that
romantic morning, invest her with any attributes save
those she possessed. I mention this in this place, of a fixed

purpose, because it is the clue by which I am to be
followed into my poor labyrinth. According to my
experience, the conventional notion of a lover cannot be
always true. The unqualified truth is, that when I loved
Estella with the love of a man, I loved her simply because
I found her irresistible. Once for all; I knew to my sorrow,
often and often, if not always, that I loved her against
reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against
happiness, against all discouragement that could be. Once
for all; I loved her none the less because I knew it, and it
had no more influence in restraining me, than if I had
devoutly believed her to be human perfection.
I so shaped out my walk as to arrive at the gate at my
old time. When I had rung at the bell with an unsteady
hand, I turned my back upon the gate, while I tried to get
my breath and keep the beating of my heart moderately
quiet. I heard the side door open, and steps come across
the court-yard; but I pretended not to hear, even when
the gate swung on its rusty hinges.

411 of 865