Summary

Mr. Jarndyce tells Esther what he knows about her past. He had agreed to become her guardian if and when her aunt (Miss Barbary) died.

The next day, Allan Woodcourt, accompanied by his mother, comes to say goodbye. Allan is bound for the Orient as a ship’s surgeon. The following morning, Caddy Jellyby delivers flowers that Allan left, seemingly on purpose, for Esther.

Analysis

Esther’s quickening curiosity about her past parallels Lady Dedlock’s pursuit of the facts about Nemo. To some readers, this parallel may suggest the possibility of a close connection between Esther and Lady Dedlock. There can no longer be any doubt that eventually Allan Woodcourt and Esther will be brought together.