Little Dorrit, Chapter 29 summary
Chapter 29 of 70 · Book 1: Poverty · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 29, Mrs Clennam questions Little Dorrit about Pancks and shows her unusual tenderness, while Affery struggles with the house’s unsettling events. After the wind locks Affery outside, an unnamed traveler gains entry through a window and demands help with money business, bringing a new disturbance into the household.
What happens
- Affery watches the household’s business activity while Flintwinch orders her to conceal their marriage and punishes her mistakes.
- Mrs Clennam dismisses Pancks, questions Little Dorrit about his interest, and asks about her friends and family hardships.
- Mrs Clennam kisses Little Dorrit’s forehead, astonishing Affery, who then hears Pancks describe himself as a fortune-teller.
- A gust locks Affery outside, where a traveler offers entry in exchange for someone authorized to conduct money business.
- The traveler climbs through a window, opens the door, and hears the mysterious noise that repeatedly frightens Affery.
- Affery fetches Flintwinch from the tavern while the traveler waits and Mrs Clennam calls downstairs for an explanation.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Affery confirms that the disturbing sound recurs. The traveler hears it too, sharing an experience previously associated with her fearful, dreamlike state.
Quick check
What does the traveler ask in return for opening the door?
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