I had little objection to his being seen by Herbert or his father, for both of whom I had a respect; but I had the sharpest sensitiveness as to his being seen by Drummle, whom I held in contempt. So, throughout life, our worst weaknesses and meannesses are usually committed for the sake of the people whom we most despise.
– Charles Dickens
Great Expectations, Chapter 27. Pip says that the bad actions we commit towards those we love are often to impress or avoid the disapproval of those we most hate. Highlighted here is how people can be hypocrites and compromise integrity for the sake of social appearances. Just like Pip on this occasion. For he is desperate to avoid being embarrassed by Joe, who is coming to London to visit him. But he is greatly relieved that the one person who won’t see and make fun of Joe is Bentley Drummle, a fellow-student Pip despises. There is a certain irony to Pip’s contradictory feelings.