Abel Magwitch’s gratitude to Pip Pirrip for visiting him in hospital makes Pip a little ashamed; he does not feel he deserves it. But if Pip was once less than gracious towards Magwitch, now he appreciates his friendship, making a point of never being late for visiting time, and bringing as much comfort as he can to the dying man.

With Magwitch’s last moments clearly upon him, Pip decides he must now tell him a secret: that Estella, the love of Pip’s life, is in fact Magwitch’s long-lost daughter. By pressure on Pip’s hand, Magwitch signals his joy and happiness; and passes away in such innocence that Pip feels sure Magwitch’s criminal past will not count against him.

118 words