In chapter 44, Pip returns to the Satis House after meeting Magwitch and learning that his benefactor was actually a convict and not the stately Miss Havisham. Pip begins by telling Miss Havisham and Estella that he has discovered the identity of his benefactor but cannot elaborate more on the subject for various reasons. Pip then asks Miss Havisham a series of questions to confirm that she never had any intentions of becoming his benefactor and purposely led him to believe that she was his patron. Miss Havisham confirms that she only meant to employ Pip as her servant, that it was simply a coincidence that Mr. Jaggers worked for both her and his benefactor, and that she purposely led him and the Pocket family to believe that she was his patron.
Pip then asks Miss Havisham to carry on anonymous investments in Herbert's career because he can no longer continue to make the payments. He then proceeds to confess his love for Estella, who responds by telling Pip that she is incapable of loving anyone and will follow through with her plans to marry Drummle. As Estella proceeds to break Pip's heart, he notices Miss Havisham revealing her softer side by showing remorse for her actions and his depressing situation. Pip says,
When I raised my face again, there was such a ghastly look upon Miss Havisham’s, that it impressed me, even in my passionate hurry and grief. (Dickens, 644).
Despite Miss Havisham's show of grief and pity, Pip leaves the Satis House utterly dejected and proceeds to walk back to London alone.
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