We both knew that I had but to propose anything, and he would consent.

We agreed that his remaining many days in his present hazard was not to be thought of.
Next day I had the meanness to feign that I was under a binding promise to go down to Joe; but I was capable of almost any meanness towards Joe or his name.

Provis was to be strictly careful while I was gone, and Herbert was to take the charge of him that I had taken.

I was to be absent only one night, and, on my return, the gratification of his impatience for my starting as a gentleman on a greater scale was to be begun.

It occurred to me then, and as I afterwards found to Herbert also, that he might be best got away across the water, on that pretence,--as, to make purchases, or the like.
Having thus cleared the way for my expedition to Miss Havisham's, I set off by the early morning coach before it was yet light, and was out on the open country road when the day came creeping on, halting and whimpering and shivering, and wrapped in patches of cloud and rags of mist, like a beggar.