Little Dorrit, Book 2: Riches, Chapter 24 summary

What happens

1. Rumors of honors for Mr Merdle circulate while Lord Decimus publicly praises his financial importance.
2. Three months after her father and uncle's burial, Fanny spends a hot evening criticizing Edmund and complaining of boredom.
3. Fanny decides to receive constant company and discusses Amy's nursing duties, Edward's malaria, and their father's unsettled property.
4. She praises Edward for dismissing Mrs General and hopes Mrs General receives no legacy.
5. Mr Merdle arrives distracted, refuses refreshments, and assures Fanny that Mrs General receives nothing.
6. He borrows a tortoiseshell penknife, promises to return it tomorrow, and leaves while Fanny seeks air on the balcony.

In this chapter

What to notice

Mr Merdle’s oddly specific reassurance follows his request for a darker-handled knife. It makes the ordinary loan stand out within his distracted visit.

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