# XL explained — The Old Curiosity Shop

> Chapter companion for The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Hierarchy

Kit's refusal of a better-paying position highlights his loyalty to his current master and the social bonds that transcend mere economic class.

### Family and Community

The Garland household functions as a close-knit family unit, with Kit's loyalty to them and their reciprocal care emphasized.

### Sacrifice and Devotion

Kit sacrifices a potentially lucrative offer out of devotion to the Garlands and his attachment to Nell, showing his selfless character.

## Character check-ins

### Christopher Nubbles

Kit returns from holiday, works in the garden, and refuses an offer of employment from a gentleman at the office, remaining loyal to the Garlands.

### Barbara

Barbara meets Kit and her mother for the walk to Finchley; she is quiet and has a headache from the holiday.

### Abel Garland

Mr. Abel walks out to be overtaken by the London coach; he is mentioned as having told his father about the gentleman's offer to Kit.

### Mr. Chuckster

Mr. Chuckster arrives as a messenger from the office, brings a note, and takes Kit to town in a cabriolet, entertaining the Garlands with gossip.

### Mrs. Garland

Mrs. Garland sits with her workbasket while Kit works in the garden; she echoes her husband's sentiment about not wanting to part with Kit.

### Abel Garland

Mr. Garland (the old gentleman) discusses the employment offer with Kit and later invites Mr. Chuckster to lunch.

## Key lines

> Full of that vague kind of penitence which holidays awaken next morning, Kit turned out at sunrise, and, with his faith in last night’s enjoyments a little shaken by cool daylight and the return to everyday duties and occupations, went to meet Barbara and her mother at the appointed place.

Kit felt a vague regret typical after holidays, and his enthusiasm for the previous night's fun faded in the sober morning light as he returned to routine, heading to meet Barbara and her mother.

_Describes Kit's post-holiday melancholy and the contrast between festive joy and daily responsibilities._

> He is rather anxious to have you in his own service—take care what you’re doing, or you will fall down and hurt yourself.

The gentleman is eager to employ you—be careful on the ladder or you might fall.

_Mr. Garland informs Kit of the employment offer while warning him to be cautious while working._

> I never heard of such a thing! muttered Kit, looking ruefully at his master and mistress. I wonder at him; that I do.

Kit expressed astonishment and disapproval at the gentleman's offer, looking sadly at the Garlands.

_Kit's reaction shows his loyalty and surprise at being courted by another employer._

> If Miss Nell was to come back, ma'am, added Kit, turning suddenly to his mistress, why that would be another thing, and perhaps if she wanted me, I might ask you now and then to let me work for her when all was done at home.

Kit said that if Nell returned, he might ask permission to work for her occasionally, but otherwise he would stay with the Garlands.

_Kit's attachment to Nell is evident, but he accepts that she will likely not need him once she is rich._

> At the same time, Christopher, added Mr. Garland, glancing at the note in his hand, if the gentleman should want to borrow you now and then for an hour or so, or even a day or so, at a time, we must consent to lend you, and you must consent to be lent.

Mr. Garland said that if the gentleman occasionally needed Kit's help for short periods, they would allow it.

_Mr. Garland agrees to a compromise, allowing Kit to be temporarily borrowed while maintaining his primary position._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/xl
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters