Biddy cried; the darkening garden, and the lane, and the stars that were coming out, were blurred in my own sight.

`Nothing was ever discovered, Biddy?'

`Nothing.'

`Do you know what is become of Orlick?'

`I should think from the colour of his clothes that he is working in the quarries.'

`Of course you have seen him then? - Why are you looking at that dark tree in the lane?'

`I saw him there, on the night she died.'

`That was not the last time either, Biddy?'

`No; I have seen him there, since we have been walking here. - It is of no use,' said Biddy, laying her hand upon my arm, as I was for running out, `you know I would not deceive you; he was not there a minute, and he is gone.'

It revived my utmost indignation to find that she was still pursued by this fellow, and I felt inveterate against him. I told her so, and told her that I would spend any money or take any pains to drive him out of that country. By degrees she led me into more temperate talk, and she told me how Joe loved me, and how Joe never complained of anything - she didn't say, of me; she had no need; I knew what she meant - but ever did his duty in his way of life, with a strong hand, quiet tonguè, and a gentle heart.

`Indeed, it would be hard to say too much for him,' said I; `and Biddy, we must often speak of these things, for of course I shall be often down here now. I am not going to leave poor Joe alone.'

Biddy said never a single word.

`Biddy, don't you hear me?'

`Yes, Mr Pip.'

`Not to mention your calling me Mr Pip - which appears to me to be in bad taste, Biddy - what do you mean?'

`What do I mean?' asked Biddy, timidly.

`Biddy,' said I, in a virtuously self-asserting manner, `I must request to know what you mean by this?'

`By this?' said Biddy.

`Now, don't echo,' I retorted. `You used not to echo, Biddy.'

`Used not!' said Biddy. `O Mr Pip! Used!'

Well! I rather thought I would give up that point too. After another silent turn in the garden, I fell back on the main position.

`Biddy,' said I, `I made a remark respecting my coming down here often, to see Joe, which you received with a marked silence. Have the goodness, Biddy, to tell me why.'

`Are you quite sure, then, that you WILL come to see him often?' asked Biddy, stopping in the narrow garden walk, and looking at me under the stars with a clear and honest eye.