and so came without announcement into the presence of Wemmick as he was making tea for himself and the Aged. An open door afforded a perspective view of the Aged in bed.

`Halloa, Mr Pip!' said Wemmick. `You did come home, then?'

`Yes,' I returned; `but I didn't go home.'

`That's all right,' said he, rubbing his hands. `I left a note for you at each of the Temple gates, on the chance. Which gate did you come to?'

I told him.

`I'll go round to the others in the course of the day and destroy the notes,' said Wemmick; `it's a good rule never to leave documentary evidence of you can help it, because you don't know when it may be put in. I'm going to take a liberty with you. - Would you mind toasting this sausage for the Aged P.?'

I said I should be delighted to do it.

`Then you can go about your work, Mary Anne,' said Wemmick to the little servant; `which leaves us to ourselves, don't you see, Mr Pip?' he added, winking, as she disappeared.

I thanked him for his friendship and caution, and our discourse proceeded in a low tone, while I toasted the Aged's sausage and he buttered the crumb of the Aged's roll.

`Now, Mr Pip, you know,' said Wemmick, `you and I understand one another. We are in our private and personal capacities, and we have been engaged in a confidential transaction before today. Official sentiments are one thing. We are extra official.'

I cordially assented. I was so very nervous, that I had already lighted the Aged's sausage like a torch, and been obliged to blow it out.

`I accidentally heard, yesterday morning,' said Wemmick, `being in a certain place where I once took you - even between you and me, it's as well not to mention names when avoidable--'

`Much better not,' said I. `I understand you.'

`I heard there by chance, yesterday morning,' said Wemmick, `that a certain person not altogether of uncolonial pursuits, and not unpossessed of portable property - I don't know who it may really be - we won't name this person--'

`Not necessary,' said I.

` - had made some little stir in a certain part of the world where a good many people go, not always in gratification of their own inclinations, and not quite irrespective of the government expense--'

In watching his face, I made quite a firework of the Aged's sausage, and greatly discomposed both my own attention and Wemmick's; for which I apologized.

` - by disappearing from such place, and being no more heard of thereabouts. From which,' said Wemmick, `conjectures had been raised and theories formed. I also heard that you at your chambers in Garden- court, Temple, had been watched, and might be watched again.'

`By whom?' said I.