Little Dorrit, Book 2: Riches, Chapter 9 summary

What happens

1. The Meagleses leave for Italy after Arthur supports their wish to visit Pet, and he regularly checks their cottage.
2. Mrs. Tickit reports seeing Tattycoram at the gate, but Arthur suspects a dream until he sees her in London.
3. Arthur follows Tattycoram and a stranger to Miss Wade, who demands his report and arranges payment for the next day.
4. He follows the women to Mr Casby’s house, where Flora welcomes him and Mr F.’s Aunt treats him with hostility.
5. The women leave before Arthur reaches Casby, who offers no address and admits only to making payments through confidential business.
6. Pancks explains Miss Wade’s unknown parentage and money held in trust, then threatens to cut Casby’s hair if pushed too far.

In this chapter

What to notice

Pancks gives Arthur a concrete account of Miss Wade’s isolation. This disclosure contrasts with Casby’s evasive answers about her.

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