Our Mutual Friend, Chapter 6 summary

What happens

1. Miss Abbey Potterson controls her tavern firmly, while Riderhood claims that Gaffer may kill people before finding their bodies.
2. Abbey summons Lizzie, who rejects the accusation and suggests that Riderhood may himself be responsible for the Harmon murder.
3. Lizzie refuses Abbey’s offer of help to leave her father, and Abbey bans both suspected men to protect her tavern.
4. After keeping watch through the night, Lizzie gives Charley money and clothes and sends him to seek help at school.
5. Gaffer returns to find people avoiding him, then angrily disowns Charley when Lizzie explains his departure.
6. Lizzie collapses at Gaffer’s threatening knife gestures; he tends her gently and returns from seeking brandy with the bottle still empty.

In this chapter

What to notice

Lizzie makes growing hostility a reason to stay rather than leave. Her loyalty separates her choice from the freedom she gives Charley.

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