The Old Curiosity Shop · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens.
Chapter 1
Dedication
Charles Dickens dedicates the book to Samuel Rogers, praising his poetic works and his compassionate character, particularly his sympathy for the poor and humble.
Chapter 2
The Old Curiosity Shop
The narrator encounters a young girl named Nell Trent and her grandfather living in an old curiosity shop, where they are burdened by debt and threatened by the villainous Quilp. The chapter establishes the central conflict of innocence versus corruption as Quilp schemes to take over the shop and Nell's grandfather gambles away their security.
Chapter 3
I
The narrator describes his habit of walking at night and his encounter with a young girl, Nell Trent, who seeks directions. He follows her to a curiosity shop where she lives with her grandfather, observing their impoverished yet devoted relationship. The chapter introduces Kit Nubbles, the comical boy who works for them, and ends with the narrator unable to forget Nell's solitary and vulnerable state amidst the shop's grotesque clutter.
Chapter 4
Chapter II
The narrator returns to the curiosity shop and finds the old man in a heated argument with his grandson, Frederick Trent, who demands to see his sister Nell. Frederick brings in his friend Richard Swiveller, who delivers a rambling speech urging reconciliation and financial generosity. The old man resists, insisting on his poverty and care for Nell, while Frederick accuses him of hoarding money. The chapter ends with Nell's entrance.
Chapter 5
Chapter III
The narrator observes the old man's secretive and anxious behavior, learning that his sole motivation is to secure a fortune for Nell to spare her the poverty that led to her mother's early death. The old man reveals his fear of poverty despite apparent wealth, and the narrator concludes he is one of those tortured by dread of loss. Quilp visits, asserting his right to see Nell, and engages in a tense exchange with Swiveller, who hints at needing money. Quilp gives the old man gold, mocking his secrecy about investments. Later, the old man expresses his fears to Nell about her future and his own failing health, while she comforts him.
Chapter 6
Mr. and Mrs. Quilp
This chapter introduces the domestic life of Daniel Quilp and his wife on Tower Hill. Quilp is a grotesque, manipulative dwarf who tyrannizes his meek wife and her mother. A gathering of neighborhood women discussing male tyranny is interrupted by Quilp's return; he intimidates them into leaving, then torments his wife with mock endearments and threats, finally settling in to smoke and drink all night.
Chapter 7
V
Quilp stays awake all night, tormenting his wife Mrs. Quilp by forcing her to sit up with him. In the morning, Mrs. Jiniwin arrives and is outraged to find her daughter has been kept awake, but Quilp mocks her. He then goes to his wharf, where he abuses his boy Tom Scott, eventually falling asleep on the desk. Nell Trent arrives with a letter for Quilp.
Chapter 8
Chapter VI
Quilp reads a letter from Nell's grandfather, proposes marriage to Nell, and later manipulates his wife into extracting secrets from the child about her grandfather's changed behavior and their past happiness.
Chapter 9
VII
In his lodgings over a tobacconist's shop, Richard Swiveller tries to cheer his despondent friend Frederick Trent. Trent proposes a scheme: Swiveller should eventually marry Trent's young sister Nell, to secure the old grandfather's wealth. Swiveller is initially shocked but is gradually won over by Trent's arguments, though their conversation is interrupted by a letter from Sophy Wackles, reminding Swiveller of a prior romantic engagement.
Chapter 10
Chapter VIII
At a dance party, Richard Swiveller competes with Mr. Cheggs for Sophy Wackles's affection, but his jealousy and Cheggs's advances lead to a tense standoff. Later, Swiveller and Fred Trent scheme to avoid debts while planning to soften Swiveller's aunt for money.
Chapter 11
Chapter IX
Nell's inner turmoil is revealed as she watches over her grandfather, who is consumed by a gambling addiction and has secretly lost everything. Quilp visits the old man, who begs for more money for one last chance to win, but Quilp cruelly refuses and falsely implicates Kit as the spy who revealed their secret.
Chapter 12
Kit's Vigil and Nell's Farewell
Kit returns home to his mother and siblings, sharing a meal and discussing his nightly vigil watching over Nell. Their conversation is interrupted by Nell herself, who arrives in distress to inform Kit that her grandfather has accused him of causing his misery and that Kit must never return to their service. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure—revealed to be Kit—has been watching the old man's house from the shadows, waiting in vain for Nell to appear at her window.
Chapter 13
Chapter XI
The old man falls into a raging fever and lies near death for weeks. Quilp takes legal possession of the house and installs himself and his attorney, Sampson Brass, in the back parlor, forcing them to smoke constantly. Kit pleads with Nell to bring her grandfather to his mother's humble home, but their conversation is interrupted by Quilp and Brass. Nell, feeling more alone than ever, retrieves her few belongings from her room and declares she will never return.
Chapter 14
XII
The old man begins to recover from his illness, but his mind remains weakened and childlike. Quilp visits to demand the removal of their goods, and the old man agrees to leave on Friday. Nell, realizing their dire situation, prepares for their flight. In the dead of night, she retrieves the key from Quilp's room, and she and her grandfather escape into the early morning, wandering aimlessly but hopefully out of the city.
Chapter 15
XIII
Richard Swiveller visits the old curiosity shop to find it dismantled and learns from Quilp that Nell and her grandfather have fled. Quilp, having bought the shop's goods, is both surprised and troubled by their disappearance, suspecting the old man has hidden wealth. Swiveller, disappointed that his romantic scheme is thwarted, leaves his card. Later, Quilp is roused by knocking and, mistaking Swiveller for his wife, attacks him, leading to a scuffle. Quilp then forces two boys to fight over a bird cage; Kit wins the cage, rescuing Nell's bird, and brings it home to his delighted family.
Chapter 16
XIV
Kit Nubbles returns to the old curiosity shop, now deserted and locked, and feels a mournful sense of loss. He spends the day trying to earn money by holding horses but fails until he meets the Garland family, who hire him for a small errand and give him a shilling. Kit uses the money to buy gifts for his family and hopes Nell and her grandfather have returned.
Chapter 17
XV
Nell and her grandfather flee London, passing through squalid urban poverty and then into the countryside. They rest in a field, then continue walking all day and night. They stop at a cottage where a poor family offers them milk and kindness. Despite Nell's blistered foot, the old man insists they press on. A cart driver gives them a ride partway, and they finally approach a town through a churchyard.
Chapter 18
XVI
Nell and her grandfather encounter two itinerant Punch showmen, Tommy Codlin and Short, in a churchyard. They join the showmen at a public-house, where Nell mends a puppet. After the performance, they share supper, and Nell hides a gold coin in her dress for emergencies, reflecting on their uncertain future.
Chapter 19
Chapter XVII
Nell awakens in a strange room and explores a quiet churchyard, reading gravestones and meeting an old woman who has tended her husband's grave for fifty-five years. She and her grandfather then join the showmen Codlin and Short for breakfast and agree to travel with them to the races.
Chapter 20
XVIII
At the Jolly Sandboys inn, Codlin, Short, Nell, and her grandfather take shelter from the rain. The landlord prepares a hearty stew, and while Nell and the old man sleep by the fire, Short expresses his suspicion that the old man has fled from his friends and is leading Nell into danger. He resolves to detain them and restore them to their family.
Chapter 21
XIX
Nell and her grandfather continue traveling with the showmen Codlin and Short. At the Jolly Sandboys inn, they meet other performers including Vuffin and Sweet William, who discuss the economics of exhibiting giants and dwarfs. Codlin privately warns Nell to trust him over Short, while Short also seeks her confidence. The group travels toward a race town, passing through increasingly crowded and chaotic scenes. Nell grows uneasy about her companions' intentions as they draw nearer to the town.
Chapter 22
Chapter XX
Kit Nubbles, still hoping for the return of Nell and her grandfather, struggles with the growing rumor that they have gone abroad. He goes to meet the little old gentleman at the notary's house, where he is questioned about his family and proves his honesty. After a comical episode with the pony Whisker, the old gentleman and his family take a kindly interest in Kit.
Chapter 23
XXI
Kit returns home to find the Garlands visiting his mother, offering him a position as their servant at six pounds a year. After they leave, Quilp and Richard Swiveller arrive, questioning Kit about the whereabouts of his former master and Nell. Quilp, suspicious of Swiveller's motives, coaxes him into a drinking outing.
Chapter 24
XXII
Kit Nubbles prepares to leave home for his new position with the Garland family. After a busy day of packing and emotional farewells with his mother and little Jacob, he walks to Finchley, collects his box from the carrier, and arrives at Abel Cottage. He is warmly welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Garland, shown his new quarters, and introduced to the household, including the pretty servant-girl Barbara. Kit shares a meal in the bright kitchen, where both he and Barbara are shyly aware of each other.
Chapter 25
XXIII
Mr. Richard Swiveller, in a drunken state, reveals his secret to Quilp, who feigns friendship. Later, Quilp and Frederick Trent conspire to manipulate Nell and her grandfather for their own gain, with Quilp plotting to use Swiveller as a pawn.
Chapter 26
XXIV
After fleeing the race-ground, Nell and her grandfather rest in a wood, where the old man's fears of capture and separation from Nell overwhelm him. Nell reassures him and leads him through the forest, restoring their peace. They arrive at a village and seek shelter with a lonely schoolmaster, who welcomes them into his schoolroom. The schoolmaster is preoccupied with worry for a favorite sick pupil, whose handwriting adorns the walls. He leaves to check on the boy and returns sorrowful, asking Nell to pray for the child.
Chapter 27
XXV
Nell and her grandfather rest at the schoolmaster's cottage. The schoolmaster is preoccupied with a sick pupil. Nell helps with household chores and observes the school day, noting the boys' restless behavior and the schoolmaster's gentle, patient manner. The schoolmaster grants an extra half-holiday, which displeases some parents, but he remains steadfast.
Chapter 28
XXVI
Nell and her grandfather leave the schoolmaster's village after the death of the little scholar. They travel along the main road until they encounter a brightly painted caravan belonging to a stout lady. After a conversation, the lady invites them to ride with her to the next town.
Chapter 29
XXVII
Nell and her grandfather accept Mrs. Jarley's offer to join her waxwork exhibition, with Nell to serve as a guide and her grandfather to assist with minor tasks. They travel in the caravan, and later that night, as Nell lingers outside, she is terrified to see Quilp emerge from a dark gateway with a boy carrying a trunk.
Chapter 30
XXVIII
Nell awakens late and helps Mrs. Jarley with breakfast and household chores. Mrs. Jarley then goes out to promote her waxwork exhibition, while Nell and her grandfather travel in the caravan to the exhibition hall. They set up the waxwork displays, and Mr. Slum, a poet, arrives to sell Mrs. Jarley an acrostic for advertising. The chapter ends with the preparations complete and Mrs. Jarley planning her promotional campaign.
Chapter 31
XXIX
Nell becomes the star attraction of Mrs. Jarley's waxwork, riding through town in a decorated cart to distribute handbills. Her beauty and gentle manner captivate the locals, especially schoolgirls. Mrs. Jarley alters wax figures to appeal to local tastes, including Miss Monflathers. Nell sleeps among the wax figures, haunted by fear of Quilp and memories of Kit. One evening, she and her grandfather are caught in a storm and take shelter in a house where two men, Isaac List and Jemmy Groves, are gambling. Her grandfather, in a sudden frenzy, demands Nell's money and joins the game, alarming Nell deeply.
Chapter 32
The Night at the Valiant Soldier
Nell and her grandfather stay overnight at the Valiant Soldier after a card game exhausts their money. Nell secretly pays with a hidden gold piece, but later wakes to find a figure stealing her money—only to discover it is her grandfather, driven by greed.
Chapter 33
XXXI
Nell, having discovered her grandfather's secret gambling and theft from her room, is consumed by horror and sorrow. She watches him sleep, recognizing the gentle figure she loves, and resolves to protect him from being discovered and separated from her. The next morning, she finds her money gone and confronts him, but he deflects with a promise to regain it, while she pleads for them to abandon their pursuit of fortune.
Chapter 34
Chapter XXXII
Nell observes the reunion of two sisters, which stirs deep emotions in her. Mrs. Jarley's wrath over Miss Monflathers' insult subsides after she drinks and laughs it off. Nell's grandfather returns penniless and obsessed with gambling, demanding money from her. Nell is tormented by fear and sorrow, unable to confide in anyone. Mrs. Jarley struggles to attract paying customers to her waxwork exhibition.
Chapter 35
XXXIII
The narrator introduces the domestic economy of Mr. Sampson Brass, describing his dark, shabby office in Bevis Marks and his formidable sister and clerk, Miss Sally Brass. Quilp arrives with Richard Swiveller, whom he installs as a clerk in Brass's office. Quilp and Brass leave together, leaving Swiveller to begin his duties under the watchful eye of Miss Sally Brass. A brief argument between Sampson and Sally Brass reveals her dominance over her brother.
Chapter 36
Chapter XXXIV
Mr. Swiveller settles into his new role as clerk to Sampson Brass, grappling with his reduced circumstances and taunting his fate. After Miss Sally Brass departs, he explores the office and assumes a careless demeanor. A mysterious single gentleman arrives to rent lodgings, and the small servant girl fetches Swiveller to show the rooms. The gentleman pays ten pounds down, takes the lodgings for two years, and immediately goes to bed, leaving Swiveller bewildered by the strangeness of the household.
Chapter 37
Chapter XXXV
Mr. Swiveller and the Brass siblings grow increasingly concerned about their mysterious lodger, who has been asleep for over twenty-six hours. After failed attempts to wake him, they finally rouse him with a loud battering at the door. The lodger, a sunburnt man with a rakish air, invites Swiveller into his room and begins preparing a meal using a curious silver apparatus.
Chapter 38
XXXVI
Richard Swiveller rises in influence in the Brass household due to his perceived connection with the mysterious single gentleman, and he also gains favor with Miss Sally Brass through his entertaining antics. He becomes increasingly curious about the small servant, who is kept in miserable conditions, and secretly observes Miss Sally feeding her a meager portion of food while administering cruel blows.
Chapter 39
XXXVII
The single gentleman's obsession with Punch and Judy shows disrupts Bevis Marks, much to Sampson Brass's annoyance. After a performance, he summons the showmen, Codlin and Short, and learns that they encountered Nell and her grandfather at the races. Short mentions a man named Jerry who saw the old man with a traveling waxwork, and the single gentleman hires them to help track the pair down.
Chapter 40
Chapter XXXVIII
Kit Nubbles has settled into his new life with the Garland family at Abel Cottage, Finchley, where he has become indispensable and beloved. He remains devoted to his poor mother and siblings, sending them money and visiting when possible. The formerly obstinate pony becomes tractable only under Kit's care. One morning, Kit drives Mr. Abel to the notary's office and is summoned inside by Mr. Chuckster. There, a blunt, elderly stranger—who has been abroad for many years—questions Kit about his former master, the old curiosity dealer, and little Nell. The stranger reveals he is staying at Sampson Brass's lodgings and is frustrated by the mystery surrounding the old man and child's disappearance.
Chapter 41
Chapter XXXIX
Kit's first quarter ends, and he receives his wages of thirty shillings. He spends a joyful holiday with his mother, little Jacob, Barbara, and Barbara's mother. They visit Astley's Theatre and later enjoy oysters at a private box. Kit's admiration for Nell is gently challenged by Barbara and her mother, and the evening is filled with family warmth and celebration.
Chapter 42
XL
Kit returns from his holiday with a heavy heart, meets Barbara and her mother, and goes to work at the Garland home. Mr. Garland informs Kit that a gentleman from the office wishes to employ him, but Kit refuses out of loyalty. Mr. Chuckster arrives to take Kit to town, where Kit waits at the Notary's office.
Chapter 43
XLI
Kit Nubbles, eager to rescue Nell, persuades his mother to leave Little Bethel chapel and join a post-chaise journey with the single gentleman and the Notary. He passes the Old Curiosity Shop, which appears dark and desolate, and then goes to fetch his mother from the chapel, where he is startled to see Quilp among the congregation.
Chapter 44
XLII
Nell, wandering alone at twilight, reflects on her growing separation from her grandfather. She discovers him in a secret meeting with two men, Jowl and Isaac List, who tempt him into a plan to steal money from Mrs. Jarley's cash box to fund his gambling. Despite her horror, Nell overhears their plot and resolves to save him, fleeing back home in distress.
Chapter 45
XLIII
Nell and her grandfather continue their flight, traveling by canal boat with rough men. Nell takes on the full burden of their survival, singing to keep the men amused through the night. They approach a manufacturing town as the rain pours down.
Chapter 46
XLIV
Nell and her grandfather are taken in by a furnace worker in a grim industrial town. The man offers them shelter for the night on a bed of warm ashes. In the morning, he shares his meager breakfast and gives them directions, along with two old penny pieces. Nell insists they must continue their journey to a quiet country place to escape their past.
Chapter 47
XLV
Nell and her grandfather continue their harrowing journey through a grim industrial town, facing extreme poverty, hunger, and despair. Nell's physical strength wanes as she witnesses scenes of suffering and injustice, including a confrontation between a mother and a gentleman over a transported son. They finally encounter a traveler who, upon turning around, causes Nell to faint in shock.
Chapter 48
XLVI
The schoolmaster finds Nell and her grandfather in a state of exhaustion and carries her to an inn, where she is cared for. He reveals he has been appointed clerk and schoolmaster to a distant village at five-and-thirty pounds a year. Nell confides in him about their flight to save her grandfather from a madhouse and his own temptations. They agree to travel together to the village, where the schoolmaster will help them find humble work. They depart by stage-wagon, with Nell inside among the packages.
Chapter 49
XLVII
The single gentleman and Kit's mother travel urgently by post-chaise to find Nell and her grandfather. They arrive at Mrs. Jarley's waxwork to discover she has just married George. The couple reveals that Nell and her grandfather have disappeared, and despite all efforts, they cannot be traced. The single gentleman is devastated by the news, while unbeknownst to him, Nell and her grandfather are safe at an old church porch awaiting the schoolmaster.
Chapter 50
XLVIII
The single gentleman arrives in town with Kit's mother, drawing a crowd. Quilp unexpectedly appears and invites them into a room. The single gentleman, despite his aversion, summons Quilp for a word. Quilp then reflects on how he discovered the single gentleman's connection to Kit through Swiveller's drunken hints, followed Kit's mother to the chapel, traced the carriage, and traveled to the same town. He learns the search for Nell and her grandfather has failed, vows to dispose of Kit, and returns to London, tormenting Mrs. Nubbles on the way. Kit meets his mother at the coach office and sees Quilp.
Chapter 51
XLIX
Quilp returns home after a three-day absence to find his household believing him drowned. He spies on a gathering that includes his wife, mother-in-law, Sampson Brass, and two watermen, who are drinking his rum and composing a descriptive advertisement for his supposed corpse. Quilp eventually reveals himself, terrifies the party, and clears the room.
Chapter 52
Quilp's Bachelor's Hall
Mr. Quilp returns home and terrorizes his wife and mother-in-law, announcing his intention to live as a bachelor at his countinghouse. He sets up a makeshift home there, then visits Dick Swiveller to discuss Fred Trent's failed meeting with the grandfather. Quilp learns that the meeting went badly and resolves to keep Swiveller as a useful spy. He returns to his bachelor quarters, where he spends the evening smoking and drinking, and is discovered the next morning by his weeping wife.
Chapter 53
LI
Quilp visits Bevis Marks, encounters the small servant, and later hosts a tea party at the Wilderness with Sampson and Sally Brass, where they conspire against Kit Nubbles.
Chapter 54
LII
The schoolmaster reveals to Nell and her grandfather that he has secured for them the position of church-keeper in a peaceful village, providing them with a home in an ancient house. The bachelor, a kind local figure, welcomes them and helps furnish the dwelling. Nell and her grandfather settle into their new life, finding comfort and community, while Nell reflects on her past and the tranquility of her new surroundings.
Chapter 55
LIII
Nell rises early, completes her household duties, and visits the old church alone. She encounters the old sexton, who speaks of his dual role as gardener and grave-digger, reflecting on mortality and the passage of time. Nell explores the church and its chapel, finding peace and a sense of transcendence among the tombs and ruins. She climbs the tower and is overwhelmed by the beauty of the outside world, feeling as if passing from death to life. She returns to the church twice more that day, reading and meditating until dusk, when she is found and taken home, pale but happy.
Chapter 56
LIV
The bachelor shares local legends and histories of the old church with Nell, emphasizing the importance of preserving tales of goodness and virtue. Nell then meets the schoolmaster in the churchyard, where they discuss death and remembrance, finding comfort in the belief that good deeds live on. Later, Nell and her grandfather begin tending the graves, finding peace in their new life, though the grandfather shows signs of unease when Nell focuses on the graves of children.
Chapter 57
LV
The old man awakens to a deep, selfless solicitude for Nell, tending to her every need. The villagers and schoolboys show her universal tenderness, and a young boy, fearing she will become an angel, begs her to stay. The sexton shows Nell a crypt that will be closed in spring, and the old man overhears strangers pitying her, which wrings his heart.
Chapter 58
LVI
Mr. Swiveller mourns a lost love with theatrical melancholy, then interacts with Mr. Chuckster and later with Sampson Brass, who displays unusual cheerfulness and cunning. Brass sends Swiveller on an errand, then intercepts Kit as he tries to leave, offering him money and feigning benevolence while hinting at secret dealings with the lodger.
Chapter 59
LVII
Kit Nubbles becomes a regular visitor to Bevis Marks, carrying messages between the single gentleman and the Garland family. Sampson Brass feigns friendship and virtue, secretly manipulating events. Meanwhile, Richard Swiveller, left alone in the office, discovers the small servant spying through the keyhole and befriends her, teaching her cribbage and nicknaming her 'the Marchioness'.
Chapter 60
LVIII
Richard Swiveller and the Marchioness play cribbage, and he learns more about the Brass household's secrets. He suspects the small servant of theft but chooses to protect her, while Sampson Brass feigns trust in him. The chapter explores themes of loyalty, suspicion, and class disparity.
Chapter 61
LIX
Kit is tricked by Sampson Brass into returning to the office, where a five-pound note is discovered missing. Brass and Swiveller pursue Kit, bring him back, and search him, finding the note hidden in his hat. Kit is accused of theft and Brass calls for a constable.
Chapter 62
Kit Accused
Kit is arrested for theft after a banknote is found in his hat at Sampson Brass's office. Despite his protests of innocence and claims of a plot, Brass and Sally Brass accuse him. Kit is taken before a magistrate and committed for trial, with the prospect of transportation.
Chapter 63
LXI
Kit, imprisoned and innocent, endures profound anguish over his perceived guilt and the potential judgment of his loved ones, especially Nell. His mother, Barbara's mother, and little Jacob visit him in jail, offering emotional support and a small meal. Kit receives a kind note and porter from Richard Swiveller, which lifts his spirits.
Chapter 64
LXII
Sampson Brass visits Quilp at his countinghouse on the wharf, where Quilp is chanting a legal phrase in a mocking manner. They discuss the search for the old man and Nell, with Quilp expressing his hatred for Richard Swiveller and ordering Brass to dismiss him after the trial. Quilp forces Brass to drink hot liquor, leading to Brass's intoxication and a disoriented exit, while Quilp sadistically misleads him about dangers outside.
Chapter 65
LXIII
Kit Nubbles is tried for stealing a bank note from Sampson Brass. Despite his protestations of innocence, the jury finds him guilty. After the trial, his mother collapses in grief, and Richard Swiveller escorts her home. Swiveller confronts Brass for money to pay the coach, and Brass dismisses him from his employ. Swiveller, overwhelmed by recent events, falls gravely ill with a fever.
Chapter 66
LXIV
Richard Swiveller, recovering from a severe illness, awakens to find himself cared for by the Marchioness. She reveals that Sampson Brass and Sally Brass, at Quilp's instigation, framed Kit Nubbles by planting a five-pound note in his hat. Swiveller sends the Marchioness to fetch Mr. Garland or Abel Garland to expose the conspiracy.
Chapter 67
LXV
The Marchioness, sent by Dick Swiveller, ventures out alone to fetch Mr. Abel Garland. After a perilous journey through the streets, she catches up to his pony chaise and delivers an urgent message about Kit's innocence. She leads Mr. Abel to Swiveller's sickroom, where Dick, recovering from a severe illness, insists Mr. Abel act immediately to save Kit.
Chapter 68
LXVI
Sampson Brass, in a cowardly turn, confesses his complicity with Quilp to the authorities, hoping to save himself by betraying his employer. Meanwhile, Richard Swiveller recovers in bed, attended by the devoted Marchioness, and learns from Mr. Garland, Abel, the notary, and the single gentleman of their plan to use the Marchioness's disclosure to free Kit and ensnare Quilp and the Brasses, though Dick warns that Sarah Brass will be a formidable adversary.
Chapter 69
LXVII
Quilp, unaware of Brass's betrayal, remains in his hermitage working on accounts. On the third day, Mrs. Quilp brings him a letter from Sally Brass warning that Sampson has confessed and strangers will call. Enraged, Quilp fantasizes about drowning Brass, then sends his wife away with Tom Scott, barricades the gates, and prepares to flee through the fog.
Chapter 70
LXVIII
Kit is released from prison after his innocence is established. He returns home to a joyful reunion with his mother, Barbara, and the Garland family. Mr. Garland reveals that his brother, the Bachelor, has been caring for an old man and a child who are likely Nell and her grandfather, and plans a journey to confirm this. Kit is celebrated and receives gifts, including a watch, and visits his pony in the stable.
Chapter 71
LXIX
The single gentleman reveals to Mr. Garland the tragic backstory of Nell's family: her mother's suffering and death, her grandfather's descent into poverty and obsessive fear of want, and the narrator's own long search for them. Meanwhile, Kit prepares eagerly for the journey to find Nell, shares a tender moment with Barbara, and the carriage arrives for departure.
Chapter 72
LXX
Kit and the two brothers continue their arduous journey through harsh winter weather, arriving at a remote village late at night. They seek the parsonage house, guided by the sexton, and encounter a mysterious, haunting sound emanating from within.
Chapter 73
LXXI
Kit finds the grandfather in a state of grief and madness, mourning Nell's death. The old man speaks to her clothes and shoes, reliving their journey. Mr. Garland, the schoolmaster, and the bachelor arrive. The grandfather refuses to leave Nell, and they discover she has died peacefully in her sleep. The schoolmaster reflects on the justice of Heaven.
Chapter 74
LXXII
The chapter describes the death of Nell Trent and the aftermath. It details her peaceful passing, the grief of those around her, and the old man's (her grandfather's) descent into a broken-hearted state where he waits daily at her grave, eventually dying there. The narrative reflects on the universal truth of death and the virtues that arise from such losses.
Chapter 75
LXXIII
The final chapter ties up the fates of the remaining characters. Kit Nubbles marries Barbara, finds prosperity, and raises a family, often telling them the story of Nell. Richard Swiveller marries the Marchioness (Sophronia) and lives contentedly, though he remains a foe to Kit for a time. Sampson Brass is convicted of perjury and fraud, sentenced to prison with hard labor, and struck from the roll of attorneys. Sally Brass's fate is uncertain, with rumors of her disguising herself as a sailor or soldier. The single gentleman travels in the steps of Nell and her grandfather, seeking out those who were kind to them. The schoolmaster remains in his quiet village, and Frederick Trent dies unrecognized in Paris.
