# Our Mutual Friend — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens.

- [Book the First: The Cup and the Lip](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/book-the-first-the-cup-and-the-lip.md): The chapter introduces the aftermath of John Harmon's death and the inheritance passing to the Boffins. Silas Wegg is hired by Mr. Boffin as a reader, and John Rokesmith becomes his secretary. Bella Wilfer meets Rokesmit
- [On the Look Out](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/i-on-the-look-out.md): The novel opens on the Thames at dusk, where Gaffer Hexam and his daughter Lizzie are out in a small boat. Gaffer, a scavenger of the dead, searches the river for bodies and valuables. He retrieves money from a corpse, w
- [The Man from Somewhere](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ii-the-man-from-somewhere.md): At a dinner party hosted by the Veneerings, Mortimer Lightwood recounts the story of the Harmon family—a wealthy dust contractor who disowned his daughter for marrying against his wishes, and whose son, the 'Man from Som
- [Another Man](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iii-another-man.md): The chapter details the inquest into John Harmon's death, the public fascination with the case, and the introduction of Mortimer Lightwood and Eugene Wrayburn as disaffected professionals. Mortimer visits the Hexam home 
- [The R. Wilfer Family](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iv-the-r-wilfer-family.md): This chapter introduces the Wilfer family, focusing on the patriarch Reginald Wilfer, a poor clerk with a cherubic appearance and a grand name that belies his humble circumstances. His wife is tall and angular, and their
- [Boffin's Bower](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/v-boffin-s-bower.md): Silas Wegg, a one-legged street vendor, is hired by Mr. Boffin to read to him at his home, Boffin's Bower (formerly known as Harmony Jail). Wegg, a cunning and self-important man, sees this as an opportunity for financia
- [Cut Adrift](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vi-cut-adrift.md): Lizzie Hexam prepares her brother Charley to leave home for school, urging him to escape their father's influence and pursue education. She gives him money and clothes, insisting he speak well of their father. Later, Mis
- [Mr. Wegg Looks After Himself](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vii-mr-wegg-looks-after-himself.md): Silas Wegg visits Mr. Venus's shop in Clerkenwell to negotiate the repurchase of his amputated leg. The chapter reveals Wegg's growing ambition and his attempt to secure his remains from being dispersed, while also expos
- [Mr. Boffin in Consultation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/viii-mr-boffin-in-consultation.md): Mr. Boffin consults with Mortimer Lightwood about his inheritance of the Harmon fortune, reflecting on the late John Harmon's miserly ways and his own and Mrs. Boffin's past kindness to the Harmon children. He then inter
- [Mr. and Mrs. Boffin in Consultation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ix-mr-and-mrs-boffin-in-consultation.md): Mr. Boffin returns home to the Bower and discusses with Mrs. Boffin their new life as inheritors of the Harmon fortune. Mrs. Boffin expresses a desire for fashionable society and a grand lifestyle, while also proposing t
- [A Marriage Contract](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/x-a-marriage-contract.md): The chapter details the wedding of Alfred Lammle and Sophronia Akershem, hosted by the Veneerings. It satirizes the social pretensions and financial motivations behind the marriage, highlighting the superficiality of the
- [Podsnappery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xi-podsnappery.md): The chapter introduces the Podsnap family and their social world, focusing on the oppressive nature of Mr. Podsnap's values and the stifling effect on his daughter Georgiana. At a dinner and dance held for Georgiana's bi
- [The Sweat of an Honest Man's Brow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xii-the-sweat-of-an-honest-man-s-brow.md): Mortimer Lightwood and Eugene Wrayburn discuss their new joint bachelor cottage near Hampton on the Thames, enduring a harsh spring wind. Roger Riderhood visits to inform on Gaffer Hexam, claiming Hexam confessed to murd
- [XIII: Tracking the Bird of Prey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiii-tracking-the-bird-of-prey.md): Eugene Wrayburn and Mortimer Lightwood, under the guise of lime merchants, join Mr. Inspector and Roger Riderhood in a stakeout near the Six Jolly Fellowship Porters, waiting for a suspect. The chapter captures their res
- [The Bird of Prey Brought Down](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiv-the-bird-of-prey-brought-down.md): In the cold early hours, Lightwood, Eugene, and Riderhood search for Gaffer Hexam. They find his boat wedged with a towline trailing underwater. Mr. Inspector hauls in the line and recovers Gaffer's body, dead from an ap
- [Two New Servants](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xv-two-new-servants.md): Mr. and Mrs. Boffin, overwhelmed by their new wealth, struggle with paperwork. John Rokesmith arrives and is hired as secretary, impressing the Boffins with his efficiency. Mr. Boffin worries about managing Silas Wegg's 
- [Minders and Reminders](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvi-minders-and-reminders.md): Bella Wilfer learns from John Rokesmith that she will soon be invited to stay with the Boffins, and their conversation reveals her mercenary and capricious nature. Mrs. Wilfer intervenes with grand condescension. Later, 
- [A Dismal Swamp](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvii-a-dismal-swamp.md): Mr. and Mrs. Boffin have moved into their new aristocratic mansion, attracting a swarm of social climbers, beggars, and opportunists. The Veneerings, Lady Tippins, Twemlow, the Podsnaps, and many others leave cards and s
- [Book the Second: Birds of a Feather](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/book-the-second-birds-of-a-feather.md): This chapter introduces the second book of the novel, focusing on the theme of social and moral affinities, as characters are drawn together by shared traits or circumstances.
- [I: Of an Educational Character](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/i-of-an-educational-character.md): The chapter describes the chaotic and ineffective school where Charley Hexam first learned, a place of good intentions but poor execution. Charley has since moved to a better school and now asks his teacher, Bradley Head
- [Still Educational](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ii-still-educational.md): Lizzie Hexam and Jenny Wren share a supper after Jenny's father returns home drunk. Jenny expresses violent fantasies about what she would do to a future husband if he became a drunkard. Eugene Wrayburn visits and renews
- [A Piece of Work](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iii-a-piece-of-work.md): Veneering decides to run for Parliament for the borough of Pocket-Breaches, and his friends and acquaintances, including Twemlow, Podsnap, Lady Tippins, Boots, and Brewer, rally around him in a farcical display of politi
- [Cupid Prompted](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iv-cupid-prompted.md): The Lammles conspire to bring Georgiana Podsnap and Fascination Fledgeby together, using flattery and prompting to push the awkward pair into a romantic connection. Mrs. Lammle manipulates Georgiana's trust while Mr. Lam
- [Mercury Prompting](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/v-mercury-prompting.md): This chapter introduces Fascination Fledgeby, a miserly young moneylender who breakfasts with Alfred Lammle. Fledgeby is secretive and evasive, refusing to answer Lammle's questions about Georgiana Podsnap. Later, Fledge
- [A Riddle Without an Answer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vi-a-riddle-without-an-answer.md): Mortimer Lightwood confronts his friend Eugene Wrayburn about his mysterious behavior and disappearances over the summer, but Eugene professes ignorance of his own motives, describing himself as an 'embodied conundrum.' 
- [In Which a Friendly Move Is Originated](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vii-in-which-a-friendly-move-is-originated.md): Mr. Boffin's reading sessions with Silas Wegg shift to the morning at the Boffin mansion, though Boffin occasionally visits the Bower for evening readings. Wegg, feeling underappreciated, laments the loss of 'Our House' 
- [In Which an Innocent Elopement Occurs](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/viii-in-which-an-innocent-elopement-occurs.md): Bella Wilfer, now living with the Boffins in their grand mansion, begins to feel the social pressures of her new life and grows critical of Mrs. Boffin's manners. She also becomes increasingly irritated by John Rokesmith
- [In Which the Orphan Makes His Will](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ix-in-which-the-orphan-makes-his-will.md): John Rokesmith learns from Sloppy that Johnny, the orphan, is gravely ill. He and Mrs. Boffin arrange for Johnny to be moved to a Children's Hospital, where the child, surrounded by toys and care, bequeaths his possessio
- [A Successor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/x-a-successor.md): Mrs. Boffin, after the death of little Johnny, decides not to revive the unfortunate name of John Harmon. She and Mr. Boffin, with the help of John Rokesmith and Bella Wilfer, instead choose to adopt Sloppy, a young man 
- [XI: Some Affairs of the Heart](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xi-some-affairs-of-the-heart.md): Miss Peecher, a schoolteacher, secretly loves Bradley Headstone and observes his preoccupation. Bradley visits her to leave his key, then heads to Lizzie Hexam's home. There, Lizzie and Jenny Wren discuss a lady who love
- [More Birds of Prey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xii-more-birds-of-prey.md): Rogue Riderhood lives in Limehouse Hole, where his daughter Pleasant runs a small pawnbroking shop. A mysterious visitor confronts Riderhood about his false accusation against Gaffer Hexam, demanding he sign a statement 
- [A Solo and a Duet](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiii-a-solo-and-a-duet.md): John Harmon, in his guise as John Rokesmith, engages in a profound internal monologue, reconstructing his past: his return to England, his mistaken identity with George Radfoot, the plot to observe Bella Wilfer, and the 
- [Strong of Purpose](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiv-strong-of-purpose.md): John Rokesmith resolves to let the ghost of John Harmon rest, burying his former identity deeper to protect the Boffins' peace. He encounters Reginald Wilfer, who shows off a new suit from Bella. Rokesmith secures Rogue 
- [XV: The Whole Case So Far](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xv-the-whole-case-so-far.md): Bradley Headstone, accompanied by Charley Hexam, confronts Lizzie Hexam in a gloomy London churchyard to declare his love and propose marriage. Lizzie gently but firmly rejects him, citing her lack of love. Charley press
- [An Anniversary Occasion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvi-an-anniversary-occasion.md): The chapter describes a breakfast party hosted by the Lammles to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. The gathering includes a variety of characters from London society, including Twemlow, Lady Tippins, Mortimer Li
- [Book the Third: A Long Lane](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/book-the-third-a-long-lane.md): The chapter opens with a description of a long, dusty lane leading to the Boffins' house, symbolizing the slow and difficult journey of the characters. It focuses on the developing relationship between Bella Wilfer and J
- [Lodgers in Queer Street](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/i-lodgers-in-queer-street.md): Fledgeby meets with his Jewish employee Riah, who presents a list of debts and bills to be collected. Alfred Lammle arrives with a letter from Mr. Podsnap rejecting his and his wife's attentions toward Georgiana Podsnap,
- [A Respected Friend in a New Aspect](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ii-a-respected-friend-in-a-new-aspect.md): Riah the Jew visits Jenny Wren, and they go together to the Six Jolly Fellowship Porters to deliver a message from Lizzie Hexam to Miss Abbey Potterson. During their visit, a steamer accident occurs on the river, causing
- [The Same Respected Friend in More Aspects Than One](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iii-the-same-respected-friend-in-more-aspects-than-one.md): Roger Riderhood is rescued from drowning after being run down by a steamer on the Thames. He is brought to Miss Abbey Potterson's establishment, where a doctor and several men work to revive him. His daughter Pleasant Ri
- [A Happy Return of the Day](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iv-a-happy-return-of-the-day.md): The Wilfer family observes the anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Wilfer's wedding day. Bella arrives in the Boffin carriage with fowls for the celebration, and despite her mother's disapproval, insists on cooking. She explores
- [The Golden Dustman Falls Into Bad Company](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/v-the-golden-dustman-falls-into-bad-company.md): Bella Wilfer observes a troubling change in Mr. Boffin as he becomes increasingly miserly and distrustful, negotiating a salary with his secretary John Rokesmith and collecting biographies of misers. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lamm
- [The Golden Dustman Falls Into Worse Company](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vi-the-golden-dustman-falls-into-worse-company.md): Mr. Boffin continues his evening reading sessions with Silas Wegg at the Bower, now delving into tales of misers and hidden fortunes from the Wonderful Museum. Wegg, frustrated by the slow progress of their 'friendly mov
- [The Friendly Move Takes Up a Strong Position](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vii-the-friendly-move-takes-up-a-strong-position.md): Silas Wegg and Mr. Venus solidify their partnership, with Wegg revealing that he has found a cashbox and proposing a conditional clause to control Mr. Boffin, whom they now view as a minion and worm. Wegg's greed grows a
- [The End of a Long Journey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/viii-the-end-of-a-long-journey.md): Betty Higden, an elderly and impoverished woman, flees the workhouse system and embarks on a pilgrimage along the River Thames. She struggles to survive by selling knitted goods, but her health declines. She eventually c
- [Somebody Becomes the Subject of a Prediction](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ix-somebody-becomes-the-subject-of-a-prediction.md): Betty Higden is buried in a humble churchyard near the river, with only a few mourners present: Reverend Frank Milvey, his wife, John Rokesmith, Bella Wilfer, and Sloppy. After the funeral, the group walks and talks, and
- [Scouts Out](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/x-scouts-out.md): Eugene Wrayburn visits Jenny Wren, who rebuffs his request for a doll's dress for his goddaughter. After she leaves, Mr. Dolls arrives at Eugene and Mortimer Lightwood's chambers, offering to reveal Lizzie Hexam's addres
- [In the Dark](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xi-in-the-dark.md): Bradley Headstone, consumed by jealousy and murderous rage, spends a sleepless night stalking Eugene Wrayburn. He encounters Rogue Riderhood, who has his own grievances against Wrayburn and Lightwood. Bradley forms a sin
- [Meaning Mischief](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xii-meaning-mischief.md): The Lammles, financially desperate and trapped by their mutual deceit, plot to undermine Mr. Boffin's trust in his secretary, John Rokesmith, by having Sophronia pretend to reveal a confidence about Rokesmith's supposed 
- [Give a Dog a Bad Name, and Hang Him](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiii-give-a-dog-a-bad-name-and-hang-him.md): Fascination Fledgeby, left alone in the countinghouse of Pubsey and Co., asserts his authority while waiting for Mr. Riah. The dolls' dressmaker, Jenny Wren, arrives to buy waste but is disturbed by Fledgeby's denial of 
- [Mr. Wegg Prepares a Grindstone for Mr. Boffin’s Nose](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiv-mr-wegg-prepares-a-grindstone-for-mr-boffin-s-nose.md): Silas Wegg grows increasingly possessive and hostile toward Mr. Boffin, viewing Boffin's management of the Harmon property as an encroachment on his own future wealth. Mr. Venus, troubled by his partnership with Wegg, se
- [The Golden Dustman at His Worst](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xv-the-golden-dustman-at-his-worst.md): Mr. Boffin's character has darkened dramatically; he treats his secretary John Rokesmith with open insolence and distrust. Bella Wilfer is caught in the middle, horrified by Boffin's transformation and the revelation tha
- [The Feast of the Three Hobgoblins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvi-the-feast-of-the-three-hobgoblins.md): Bella Wilfer leaves the Boffins' household after a serious disagreement over Mr. Boffin's treatment of a household member. She returns to her family home, where her mother and sister Lavinia react with hostility and susp
- [A Social Chorus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvii-a-social-chorus.md): The chapter opens with the astonishment of the Lammles' social circle at their financial collapse, prompting the Veneerings to host a dinner in their honor. The dinner is a gathering of fashionable society, including Lad
- [Book the Fourth: A Turning](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/book-the-fourth-a-turning.md): The fourth book of Our Mutual Friend begins, signaling a shift in the narrative as various characters' fates and relationships begin to turn towards resolution or crisis.
- [I: Setting Traps](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/i-setting-traps.md): Rogue Riderhood observes Bradley Headstone's obsessive pursuit of Eugene Wrayburn up the river. Riderhood sets a trap by wearing a distinctive red neckerchief to test if Headstone is copying his appearance. Headstone ret
- [The Golden Dustman Rises a Little](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ii-the-golden-dustman-rises-a-little.md): Mr. and Mrs. Lammle ingratiate themselves with Mr. and Mrs. Boffin, flattering them in hopes of gaining influence over their fortune. Mr. Boffin, however, sees through their scheme and firmly but politely rejects their a
- [The Golden Dustman Sinks Again](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iii-the-golden-dustman-sinks-again.md): Mr. Boffin meets Mr. Venus at a crossways and they proceed to the Bower, where Silas Wegg confronts Boffin with the discovered will. Wegg demands that the entire Harmon estate be divided into three parts, with Boffin kee
- [A Runaway Match](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/iv-a-runaway-match.md): Bella Wilfer marries John Rokesmith in a secret wedding, joined only by her father Reginald Wilfer. The trio celebrates with a joyful dinner at Greenwich, maintaining a playful disguise to avoid appearing as a wedding pa
- [Concerning the Mendicant's Bride](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/v-concerning-the-mendicant-s-bride.md): Bella Wilfer's marriage to John Rokesmith is revealed to her family, causing initial shock and disapproval from Mrs. Wilfer and Lavinia. Bella later visits her family, charming them with her happiness and domestic life o
- [A Cry for Help](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vi-a-cry-for-help.md): Lizzie Hexam rescues Eugene Wrayburn after he is brutally attacked, carrying him to safety and summoning surgeons. The chapter explores Eugene's internal conflict about his feelings for Lizzie and his struggle between so
- [Better to Be Abel Than Cain](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vii-better-to-be-abel-than-cain.md): Bradley Headstone returns to Rogue Riderhood's lock-house after two nights away, showing signs of a violent struggle. Riderhood observes his torn clothes and spots, deducing his involvement in an attack. Bradley sleeps l
- [A Few Grains of Pepper](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/viii-a-few-grains-of-pepper.md): Jenny Wren, having discovered Mr. Riah's supposed hypocrisy, avoids him and works alone. Mr. Fledgeby visits her, seeking information about Lizzie Hexam and proposing to countermine Riah's motives. Jenny agrees to meet h
- [Two Places Vacated](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/ix-two-places-vacated.md): Mr. Dolls dies after a drunken rampage, and Jenny Wren mourns him. Meanwhile, Riah leaves Pubsey and Co. after a crisis of conscience, and Jenny takes him in.
- [X: The Dolls’ Dressmaker Discovers a Word](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/x-the-dolls-dressmaker-discovers-a-word.md): Eugene Wrayburn lies gravely injured and drifting in and out of consciousness, attended by Mortimer Lightwood, Lizzie Hexam, and Jenny Wren. In a lucid moment, Eugene insists that Bradley Headstone not be pursued for the
- [Effect Is Given to the Dolls’ Dressmaker’s Discovery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xi-effect-is-given-to-the-dolls-dressmaker-s-discovery.md): Bella Rokesmith receives a visit from Mortimer Lightwood, who brings a request from Lizzie Hexam that Bella attend her marriage to Eugene Wrayburn. John Rokesmith behaves strangely, refusing to see Lightwood or attend th
- [XII: The Passing Shadow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xii-the-passing-shadow.md): Bella and John Rokesmith are blissfully happy with their new baby, Bella. However, John becomes increasingly anxious. When they meet Mortimer Lightwood in London, John reveals he was previously known as Julius Handford, 
- [Showing How the Golden Dustman Helped to Scatter Dust](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiii-showing-how-the-golden-dustman-helped-to-scatter-dust.md): Mrs. Boffin reveals to Bella that her husband John Rokesmith is actually John Harmon, the presumed-dead heir to the Harmon fortune. She recounts how she discovered his identity and how she and Mr. Boffin conspired with J
- [Checkmate to the Friendly Move](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiv-checkmate-to-the-friendly-move.md): Mr. and Mrs. John Harmon take possession of their rightful name and London house on the day the last Mound is removed from Boffin's Bower. Silas Wegg, having endured the torments of the dust contractor's foreman, prepare
- [XV: What Was Caught in the Traps That Were Set](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xv-what-was-caught-in-the-traps-that-were-set.md): Bradley Headstone is tormented by guilt and rage after his attack on Eugene Wrayburn, which inadvertently united Eugene and Lizzie. He is haunted by his failure and the fear of discovery. Rogue Riderhood confronts Bradle
- [The Voice of Society](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xvii-the-voice-of-society.md): At a dinner party hosted by the Veneerings, Society—represented by Lady Tippins, Podsnap, Boots, Brewer, Buffer, and others—condemns Eugene Wrayburn's marriage to Lizzie Hexam. Mortimer Lightwood defends the match, but o
- [Postscript](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/postscript.md): In this postscript, Dickens addresses readers directly, revealing that he intentionally suggested John Harmon's survival and identity as John Rokesmith. He defends his storytelling methods, discusses the challenges of se

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