Little Dorrit · Chapter
Introduces the Next explained
Arthur Clennam confronts Miss Wade about her connection to the missing Blandois.
What happens
Arthur Clennam confronts Miss Wade about her connection to the missing Blandois. Miss Wade reveals she hired Blandois as a spy in Italy, expresses hatred for Henry Gowan and his wife, and offers Clennam a written account of her life. Tattycoram (Harriet) appears, and a tense exchange reveals her lingering attachment to the Meagles family. Miss Wade denies knowing Blandois's whereabouts, leaving Clennam frustrated.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Revelation
Miss Wade reveals her hiring of Blandois as a spy and offers Clennam a written account of her life, while Clennam seeks to uncover the truth about Blandois's disappearance.
Identity and Social Mobility
Tattycoram's conflicted feelings about her past with the Meagles and her current life with Miss Wade explore themes of self-definition and belonging.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Clennam
Seeks information about Blandois from Miss Wade, struggles with her cold demeanor and insinuations.
- Miss Wade
Reveals she hired Blandois as a spy in Italy, expresses hatred for Henry Gowan and his wife, and offers Clennam a written account of her life.
- Tattycoram
Appears as Harriet, admits to looking in at the Meagles' garden gate, and shows conflicted feelings about her past.
- Henry Gowan
Mentioned by Miss Wade as a 'dear friend' of Clennam and the object of her hatred.
- Pet Meagles
Mentioned as Henry Gowan's wife, whom Miss Wade hates.
- Mr. Meagles
Inquired about by Tattycoram; mentioned as not being at home.
Key passages
“That he is a low, mercenary wretch; that I first saw him prowling about Italy (where I was, not long ago), and that I hired him there, as the suitable instrument of a purpose I happened to have; I have no objection to tell you.”
Miss Wade admits to Arthur that she hired Blandois as a paid spy in Italy for her own purposes.
Miss Wade openly confesses her mercenary arrangement with Blandois, revealing his role as a hired instrument.
“I hate his wife, sir.”
Miss Wade declares her hatred for Pet Meagles, Henry Gowan's wife.
Miss Wade's intense animosity toward Pet is expressed with controlled fury.
“You are no higher than a spaniel, and had better go back to the people who did worse than whip you.”
Miss Wade belittles Tattycoram, suggesting she is as low as a dog and should return to the Meagles.
Miss Wade's contempt for Tattycoram's lingering attachment to the Meagles is harshly expressed.