remembrance of what I had thrown away when I was quite ignorant of its worth. But, since my duty has not been incompatible (一致的) with the admission of that remembrance, I have given it a place in my heart.'

`You have always held your place in my heart,' I answered.

And we were silent again, until she spoke.

`I little thought,' said Estella, `that I should take leave of you in taking leave of this spot. I am very glad to do so.'

`Glad to part again, Estella? To me, parting is a painful thing. To me, the remembrance of our last parting has been ever mournful (悲哀的) and painful.'

`But you said to me,' returned Estella, very earnestly, ``God bless you, God forgive you!'' And if you could say that to me then, you will not hesitate to say that to me now -- now, when suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but -- I hope -- into a better shape. Be as considerate and good to me as you were, and tell me we are friends.'

`We are friends,' said I, rising and bending over her, as she rose from the bench.

`And will continue friends apart,' said 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 (安静的) light they showed to me, I saw no shadow of another parting from her.