Summary

Chapter 21 introduces Bart Smallweed’s grandparents and Bart’s twin sister, Judy; also introduced is Charley (Charlotte) Neckett, who is badly treated as a servant girl in the Smallweed household. Grandfather Smallweed receives Mr. George Rouncewell, who comes to make a payment on a high-interest loan he contracted with the old man. Phil Squod, the attendant at George Rouncewell’s shooting gallery, is depicted as an odd and misshapen but not unlikable man; he is intensely loyal to George.

Analysis

In these two chapters, minor characters who have appeared — or been mentioned — earlier are further characterized and begin now to be linked with the plot involving Lady Dedlock and Nemo. The Smallweeds are another of the numerous families dominated by its most disagreeable member and reeking with unhappiness.