The day after the accident, Magwitch was taken to court. The police needed a witness to prove he was the same man who had escaped from the prison ship years ago. Mr. Jaggers acted as his lawyer, but he told me privately that the case was hopeless. As soon as the witness arrived, Magwitch would be found guilty.
I also spoke to Mr. Jaggers about Magwitch’s money. I told him I would not tell Magwitch that the government was going to take everything he owned. Mr. Jaggers was angry with me. He thought I was foolish for "letting the fortune slip through my fingers." But I didn’t care about the money anymore. I didn't want to fight for it, and I didn't want Magwitch to spend his final days worrying about it. He died believing that I was still a rich gentleman, and that made him happy.
A few days later, the witness arrived, and the case was finished. Magwitch was sent to trial, which would happen in a month.
It was a dark time in my life. One evening, Herbert came home looking very sad.
"My dear Pip," he said. "I’m afraid I have to leave you soon. My business is opening a branch in Cairo, Egypt, and I must go there to manage it."
"I will miss you, Herbert," I said. "But I am happy for you."
"You will be so lonely here," Herbert said. He looked at me kindly. "Pip, have you thought about your future? My firm needs a clerk. If you come with me to Cairo, you can work with us. One day, you might even become a partner."
He told me that he and Clara had talked about it many times. They wanted me to live with them and be part of their family. I was deeply moved by his kindness.
"Thank you, Herbert," I said. "I can't say yes yet because I must stay here for Magwitch. But could you leave the offer open for a few months?"
"Of course!" Herbert cried. "Six months, a year—as long as you need!"
On Saturday, I watched Herbert leave on the coach. I felt more alone than ever. My home didn't feel like a home anymore, and I had no money and no clear future.
That evening, I met Wemmick on the stairs. He wanted to explain why the escape had failed. He told me that Compeyson had been spying on us for a long time.
"I’m sorry, Mr. Pip," Wemmick said. "I really tried to help you. It's a sad business. All that 'portable property' is lost now!"
I invited him inside for a drink. After a while, Wemmick became a bit nervous.
"Mr. Pip," he said, "I am taking a holiday on Monday. I’m going for a walk. Would you like to come with me? It will be a short walk, from eight until noon."
I agreed, and on Monday morning, I went to his house, the "Castle." Wemmick was dressed very neatly. To my surprise, he picked up a fishing rod and put it over his shoulder.
"Are we going fishing?" I asked.
"No," he said. "I just like to carry it."
We walked toward a park, and suddenly Wemmick stopped in front of a church.
"Look!" he said, as if he were surprised. "A church! Let’s go in!"
We went inside. Wemmick reached into his pocket and pulled out some white gloves.
"Look!" he said again. "White gloves! Let’s put them on!"
Then, the Aged Parent entered through a side door with a lady. It was Miss Skiffins. She was also wearing white gloves.
"Look!" Wemmick cried. "Miss Skiffins! Let’s have a wedding!"
It was the most unusual wedding I had ever seen. Wemmick acted as if everything was a total surprise. When the priest asked who was giving the bride away, the Aged Parent didn't hear him.
"All right, John!" the old man shouted happily. "All right, my boy!"
Finally, the ceremony was over. They were married. Wemmick took off his white gloves, picked up his fishing rod, and smiled at me.
"Now, Mr. Pip," he said. "Would anyone believe this was a wedding party?"
We had a wonderful breakfast at a nearby inn. Wemmick and his new wife were very happy. As I was leaving, Wemmick pulled me aside and whispered.
"Please, Mr. Pip, don't mention this at the office. This is a 'Walworth sentiment.' If Mr. Jaggers found out I got married, he might think I'm losing my mind!"
I promised to keep his secret. For a few hours, the world felt a little brighter. But as I walked back to London, I remembered that tomorrow I had to visit the prison again.