# Another Discovery explained — Bleak House > Chapter companion for Bleak House by Charles Dickens. ## What happens Mr. Bucket brings Mr. Smallweed to Mr. Jarndyce and Esther with a burnt, singed paper that turns out to be a later will in the Jarndyce and Jarndyce case. Mr. Jarndyce refuses to examine it himself and delivers it to Mr. Kenge, who confirms it is a valid, uncancelled instrument that reduces Mr. Jarndyce's interest but greatly advances the interests of Richard Carstone and Ada Clare. Mr. Vholes is consulted, and the document is set to be introduced in the next term. The chapter ends with Mr. Jarndyce asking Esther to become the mistress of Bleak House next month. ## Themes in this chapter ### Corruption of the Legal System The discovery of a later will in the Jarndyce and Jarndyce suit highlights the absurdity and endless delays of Chancery, as Mr. Jarndyce remains skeptical of any good coming from the case. ### Secrets and Identity The burnt will, hidden among Krook's papers, represents a secret that could change the fortunes of the characters, echoing the novel's theme of concealed truths. ### Family and Loyalty Mr. Jarndyce's selfless decision to advance the interests of Richard and Ada over his own demonstrates his loyalty to his young cousins. ## Character check-ins ### Esther Summerson Present with Mr. Jarndyce during the delivery of the will to Mr. Kenge; later agrees to become mistress of Bleak House next month. ### Mr. Jarndyce Receives the burnt will from Mr. Bucket, refuses to examine it, and delivers it to Mr. Kenge; proposes to Esther that she become mistress of Bleak House next month. ### Mr. Bucket Brings Mr. Smallweed and the burnt will to Mr. Jarndyce; explains the circumstances of its discovery and negotiates on behalf of Sir Leicester Dedlock. ### Mr. Smallweed Brought by Mr. Bucket; found the burnt will among Krook's papers; suspicious and reluctant but confirms the discovery. ### Kenge Solicitor in the cause; examines the will and confirms it is a valid, later instrument; arranges consultation with Mr. Vholes. ### Mr. Vholes Called in by Mr. Kenge to examine the will; discusses its implications regarding the Receiver-General and costs. ## Key lines > Mr. Bucket lost no time in transferring this paper, with the dexterity of a conjuror, from Mr. Smallweed to Mr. Jarndyce. Mr. Bucket quickly and skillfully handed the paper from Mr. Smallweed to Mr. Jarndyce. _Highlights Bucket's cunning and efficiency in handling the evidence._ > I have forsworn and abjured the whole business these many years, and my soul is sick of it. I have renounced and rejected the entire legal matter for years, and I am thoroughly disgusted by it. _Shows Mr. Jarndyce's deep aversion to the Chancery suit._ > It is a will of later date than any in the suit. It appears to be all in the testator's handwriting. It is duly executed and attested. And even if intended to be cancelled, as might possibly be supposed to be denoted by these marks of fire, it is not cancelled. Here it is, a perfect instrument! This is a will more recent than any other in the lawsuit. It seems to be entirely written by the person who made it, properly signed and witnessed. Even if the burn marks suggest an attempt to cancel it, it remains legally valid and complete. _Mr. Kenge's formal legal assessment of the document's validity._ > The day on which I take the happiest and best step of my life—the day on which I shall be a man more exulting and more enviable than any other man in the world—the day on which I give Bleak House its little mistress—shall be next month then. Next month will be the day I take the happiest and best action of my life—the day I will be more joyful and fortunate than anyone else—the day I give Bleak House its new mistress. _Mr. Jarndyce's joyful proposal to Esther to become mistress of Bleak House._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bleak_house_se/chapters/lxii-another-discovery - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bleak_house_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bleak_house_se/chapters