Chapter 11 Herbert Knows Almost Everything Herbert arrived home the next day.
Before he had even taken off his hat, Provost came bounding forward with a tattered copy of the Bible.
Put your right hand there and swear.
Herbert did as he was asked.
Now we can tell you the whole story.
We spent many hours and two full meals listening to Provis's stories.
Midnight came and went before he finally left for the room I had found for him down the road.
I'm too stunned to think, Herbert said.
I was too at first.
He wants to spend all his money on me, carriages, and horses.
He doesn't even want us to live at Bernard's Inn anymore.
He thinks we should move to a better part of town.
Will you accept the fortune?
I said, ''How can I?
He's a criminal, but I'm in debt and now in his debt.
He's paid for everything these past few years.''
Herbert said, ''You'll come and get a job with me.''
Poor Herbert had no idea it was Provost's money that had paid for his job in the first place.
''Plus, he's a very dangerous man.
Remember the story he told us about the terrible fight he had with the other convict?''
How do you think he'd react if I just said, no thanks, I don't want anything to do with you?
I shudder to think of it.
Herbert paced around the room for a moment.
I can only see one way out.
We must get him out of England.
When he's away, you'll write and say you no longer want his help.
It's the only way.
The next morning, Provis arrived for breakfast as usual.
I asked, Do you remember the night on the marshes long ago when you fought that other convict?
You said you were helping the soldiers find and arrest him.
Why was it so important to turn him in?
It cost you your own freedom.
He said, You're both still sworn to secrecy.
Pip, on your fortune.
Herbert, on my Bible.
He stared at us through squinty eyes.
My life story is easy to tell.
I was in jail.
I was out of jail.
That's about all there is to it.
I don't know where I was born.
I never had a proper home.
I stole so I could eat, but I worked sometimes, too.
I had a partner in crime for a long time.
His name was Compison.
He looked handsome and smart, like a real gentleman, but he was mean as a snake.
Provost warmed his hands by the fire.
He took me in and taught me things, but soon I couldn't get out from under his thumb.
He had power over me, you see. sent to jail for stuff both of us had done.
When I finally got out, I never should have gone back, but I did.
When we were caught the next time, we were both sent to trial.
Compison was well-dressed and well-spoken.
He talked his way into mercy and seven years in jail.
I got fourteen because of my ragged clothes and poor speech.
I swore I'd get back at Compison for it.
The night I found Pip, I had knocked him down as we both escaped from that prison ship.
When Pip told me he saw another man on the marshes, I knew it was Cockleason and I had to catch him.
I didn't care if I was in jail for the rest of my life, as long as he was there with me.
No one, not the guards, the court, listened to my side before sending me away for life.
I escaped again, as you can see.
I'm sitting here in front of you and made my fortune.
We were quiet for a moment until I asked, Is Compison dead?
Maybe, maybe not.
Haven't seen or heard of him since our last trial.
Herbert passed me a note under the table.
Compison is the name of the man who was to marry Miss Havisham.
I tried not to react as I tossed the note into the fire and looked at Herbert.
We have to get you out of London.
I said to Provis, before anyone knows you're here.
Angry, confused, and unhappy, I knew I had to see Miss Havisham.
I took the coach home the next morning, hoping Estella would be there.
Wet wind blows you here, Pip, Miss Havisham said when she saw me.
Sure enough, Estella was visiting at Manor House for the week.
She put down her knitting when I walked into the room.
I cleared my throat.
Knowing who my benefactor is has made me terribly upset.
I can't say more.
It isn't my secret to tell.
Miss Havisham looked at me strangely.
What secret?
I looked at her and then at Estella.
I never should have left Joe's Forge.
You were finished with me the day I became a blacksmith's apprentice.
Indeed, Miss Havisham said.
And Mr. Jaggers, I started.
Just a coincidence.
He works for many people, she said.
You led me to believe that you were the one paying for my education, that you were the one giving me great expectations.
Miss Havisham looked at me and said coldly I never led you to believe something that wasn't true, Pip.
Estella said nothing and went back to her knitting.
I said nothing.
I need your help.
I have decided to give up the money, but I've been paying for Herbert's salary at his job up until now.
I'm asking that you carry on for me now that I'll have no fortune.
They were both silent, but as the truth spilled out, I couldn't stop myself.
Miss Havisham, all this talk of me staying friends with Estella, of pushing us together.
You never intended for us to marry, did you?
It was just a game.
Miss Havisham did not reply.
Estella looked up from her work.
I am engaged to Bentley Drummle.
Brute, I shouted.
I cannot believe you.
I am breaking my promise, Miss Havisham.
I am afraid we aren't friends anymore, Estella.
Miss Havisham looked at me with blank eyes, showing no emotion.
Pip, Miss Havisham said, I have a note for Mr. Jaggers.
Would you be so kind as to deliver it for me?
I took the note from her cold hand and left Manor House without saying another word.
