Summary The next morning, Esther tells Mr. Jarndyce, “I will be the mistress of Bleak House when you please.” Mr. Jarndyce says, “Next month, then.” At that moment, Bucket and Grandfather Smallweed appear. Smallweed has discovered a signed will dated later than the wills already examined in the Jarndyce and […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 62 – Another DiscoverySummary and Analysis Chapter 61 – A Discovery
Summary Esther now visits Ada every day and, “on two or three occasions,” she finds Skimpole there. She thinks that it is likely that Skimpole is continuing to help Richard spend money foolishly; she also senses that Skimpole’s “careless gaiety” is vexing to Ada in her difficult situation. Esther goes […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 61 – A DiscoverySummary and Analysis Chapter 60 – Perspective
Summary Esther falls ill and is attended by Allan. To keep her and himself closely in touch with Ada and Richard, Mr. Jarndyce decides to remain in London for an extended period of time and invite Allan’s mother as a guest. Allan has decided to forego his projected long voyage. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 60 – PerspectiveSummary and Analysis Chapter 59 – Esther’s Narrative
Summary At 3 a.m., after a hard, hurried journey, Bucket and Esther reach London again. Searching through many shabby streets, Bucket eventually passes on to Chancery Lane where, by accident, they meet Allan Woodcourt, who has been attending Richard, described by Allan as not ill but “depressed and faint.” Bucket […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 59 – Esther’s NarrativeSummary and Analysis Chapter 58 – A Wintry Day and Night
Summary While Sir Leicester lies ill at his town house, the high society in which the Dedlocks move is rife with rumors about them. Sir Leicester, though still seriously ill, waits expectantly for Bucket to return; he wants to be sure that the house is in cheerful readiness for Lady […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 58 – A Wintry Day and NightSummary and Analysis Chapter 57 – Esther’s Narrative
Summary Bucket and Esther set out on their search. They stop first at a police station, where a detective gives a description of Lady Dedlock. They search far and wide through the dock area, then proceed to St. Albans. At a tea stop, Bucket learns that a figure like the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 57 – Esther’s NarrativeSummary and Analysis Chapter 56 – Pursuit
Summary Not long after Lady Dedlock has left the house, Volumnia (a cousin in her sixties) discovers Sir Leicester unconscious on the floor of the library; he has had a stroke. Recovering somewhat but still unable to speak distinctly, he writes “My Lady” on a slate and is told that […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 56 – PursuitSummary and Analysis Chapter 55 – Flight
Summary Mrs. Bagnet brings Mrs. Rouncewell to George’s prison cell, where mother and son are happily reunited after many years of separation. George consents to accept a defense lawyer. When Mrs. Rouncewell goes to the Dedlock house, she tells Lady Dedlock that George is being held for Tulkinghorn’s murder. She […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 55 – FlightSummary and Analysis Chapters 53-54 – The Track & Springing a Mine
Summary Bucket is an amiable man of good will but dogged in pursuit. At present he wanders far and wide, closely observing a multitude of people, places, and things. At Tulkinghorn’s funeral, he sits behind the lattice blinds of a carriage and scans the crowd that has gathered in Lincoln’s […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 53-54 – The Track & Springing a MineSummary and Analysis Chapter 52 – Obstinacy
Summary Allan Woodcourt believes in George Rouncewell’s innocence but points out that circumstantial evidence is strongly against the accused. Esther, Allan, Mr. Jarndyce, and the Bagnets visit George in prison and are dismayed at his refusal to have a lawyer (he wants his own innocence, not legal maneuverings, to clear […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 52 – Obstinacy