Page 549 - GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Great Expectations

on any similar occasion; and there were four similar
occasions, to the best of my remembrance. Nor, did Miss
Havisham’s manner towards Estella in anywise change,
except that I believed it to have something like fear

infused among its former characteristics.
It is impossible to turn this leaf of my life, without
putting Bentley Drummle’s name upon it; or I would,
very gladly.
On a certain occasion when the Finches were
assembled in force, and when good feeling was being
promoted in the usual manner by nobody’s agreeing with
anybody else, the presiding Finch called the Grove to
order, forasmuch as Mr. Drummle had not yet toasted a
lady; which, according to the solemn constitution of the
society, it was the brute’s turn to do that day. I thought I
saw him leer in an ugly way at me while the decanters
were going round, but as there was no love lost between
us, that might easily be. What was my indignant surprise
when he called upon the company to pledge him to
‘Estella!’
‘Estella who?’ said I.
‘Never you mind,’ retorted Drummle.
‘Estella of where?’ said I. ‘You are bound to say of
where.’ Which he was, as a Finch.

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