# Kit's Vigil and Nell's Farewell explained — The Old Curiosity Shop > Chapter companion for The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens. ## What happens 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. ## Themes in this chapter ### Poverty and Suffering The Nubbles family's humble home and Mrs. Nubbles's uncomplaining labor highlight the hardships of poverty, while Kit's secret vigil shows his self-sacrifice despite his own meager circumstances. ### Family and Community Kit's affectionate interaction with his mother and siblings, and his mother's concern for him, underscore the bonds of family loyalty and mutual care. ### Innocence vs. Corruption Nell's innocent trust in Kit is shattered by her grandfather's false accusations, suggesting the corruption of innocence by hidden motives and misunderstanding. ## Character check-ins ### Christopher Nubbles Kit returns home tired from his nightly vigil, shares a meal with his mother, and is devastated when Nell tells him he must never come near them again. ### Mrs. Nubbles Kit's mother, who works tirelessly ironing, gently teases Kit about his feelings for Nell and later weeps in distress when Nell delivers the news. ### Nell Trent Nell appears breathless and pale at Kit's home, informing him that her grandfather has accused him and that he must never return, before departing in tears. ### Jacob Kit's younger brother, sitting bolt upright in a clothes-basket, wide awake and refusing to sleep. ## Key lines > I wonder what she'd say... if she knew that every night, when she—poor thing—is sitting alone at that window, you are watching in the open street for fear any harm should come to her, and that you never leave the place or come home to your bed though you're ever so tired, till such time as you think she's safe in hers. Mrs. Nubbles marvels at Kit's secret nightly vigil, watching over Nell from the street until she is safe in bed. _Reveals Kit's devotion and the hidden nature of his protective watch._ > You must not return to us any more. I came to tell you. I thought it would be better that I should come than somebody quite strange. Oh, Kit, what have you done? you, in whom I trusted so much, and who were almost the only friend I had! Nell tearfully tells Kit he is banished from their service, expressing her shock and sense of betrayal. _Highlights the emotional climax of the chapter and the rupture of trust._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/x - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters