I resolved to go out to Richmond next day, and I went.
On my presenting myself at Mrs.Brandley's, Estella's maid was called to tell that Estella had gone into the country.

Where?
To Satis House, as usual.

Not as usual, I said, for she had never yet gone there without me; when was she coming back?
There was an air of reservation in the answer which increased my perplexity, and the answer was, that her maid believed she was only coming back at all for a little while.

I could make nothing of this, except that it was meant that I should make nothing of it, and I went home again in complete discomfiture.
Another night consultation with Herbert after Provis was gone home (I always took him home, and always looked well about me), led us to the conclusion that nothing should be said about going abroad until I came back from Miss Havisham's.

In the mean time, Herbert and I were to consider separately what it would be best to say; whether we should devise any pretence of being afraid that he was under suspicious observation; or whether I, who had never yet been abroad, should propose an expedition.