Page 429 - GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Great Expectations

He complied, and we groped our way down the dark
stairs together. While we were still on our way to those
detached apartments across the paved yard at the back, he
asked me how often I had seen Miss Havisham eat and

drink; offering me a breadth of choice, as usual, between a
hundred times and once.
I considered, and said, ‘Never.’
‘And never will, Pip,’ he retorted, with a frowning
smile. ‘She has never allowed herself to be seen doing
either, since she lived this present life of hers. She wanders
about in the night, and then lays hands on such food as she
takes.’
‘Pray, sir,’ said I, ‘may I ask you a question?’
‘You may,’ said he, ‘and I may decline to answer it. Put
your question.’
‘Estella’s name. Is it Havisham or - ?’ I had nothing to
add.
‘Or what?’ said he.
‘Is it Havisham?’
‘It is Havisham.’
This brought us to the dinner-table, where she and
Sarah Pocket awaited us. Mr. Jaggers presided, Estella sat
opposite to him, I faced my green and yellow friend. We
dined very well, and were waited on by a maid-servant

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