"And what's the best of all," he said, "you've been more comfortable
along of me since I was under a dark cloud than when the sun shone.
That's best of all."
He had spoken his last words, and, holding my hand in his, passed away.
And with his death ended my expectations, for the pocket-book containing
his wealth went to the Crown.
Herbert took me into his business, and I became a clerk, and afterwards
went abroad to take charge of the eastern branch, and when many a year
had gone round, became a partner.
It was eleven years later when I was down in the marshes again. I had
been to see Joe Gargery, who was as friendly as ever, and had strolled
on to where Satis House once stood. I had been told of Miss Havisham's
death, and also of the death of Estella's husband.
Nothing was left of the old house but the garden wall, and as I stood
looking along the desolate garden walk a solitary figure came up. I saw
it stop, and half turn away, and then let me come up to it. It faltered
as if much surprised, and uttered my name, and I cried out, "Estella!"
I took her hand in mine, and we went out of the ruined place; and as the
morning mists had risen long ago when I first left the forge, so the
evening mists were rising now, and in all the broad expanse of tranquil
light they showed to me I saw no shadow of another parting from her.
* * * * *