Chapter 23
"Oh, yes, Pip," said Ben, "you must go." "Oh, I don't want to," cried Pip, in great alarm, and, clinging to Ben's hand, he huddled up closer than ever. "Don't make me go to that old woman's; don't," he pleaded. "Why not?" asked Ben, whirling him around to let his blue eyes search keenly the distressed little face. "She looks at me so," said Pip, squirming uncomfortably; "she's always looking at me." "Well, supposing she does, she won't bite you," said Ben, with a little laugh. Then he stopped suddenly. "Now then, Pip," and he put his hand on the small shoulder, "it's best for you to go; there's to be a jolly good time. Just think, Madam Van Ruypen is to give you all a sleigh-ride! And off you'll go into the country and have a supper and come home by moonlight. Why, everybody's going!"
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