Heaven knows we need never to be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before—more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.” (Dickens 185)

As Pip is finally leaving for London and his quest to be a "gentleman", he gets a little nostalgic and sentimental about his family and friends. He sees Joe and Biddy and even sheds a tear,

"Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle." Chapter 19, pg. 185