Our Mutual Friend, Book 3: A Long Lane, Chapter 10 summary
Book 3: A Long Lane, Chapter 10 of 68 · 21 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 10, Eugene Wrayburn seeks Lizzie’s address from Jenny Wren, then promises money to her drunken dependent for obtaining it through letters. He also reveals that Bradley Headstone follows him at night and takes Mortimer Lightwood on a deliberately punishing chase, leaving Mortimer deeply troubled by Headstone’s furious face.
What happens
- Jenny refuses Eugene’s disguised request for Lizzie’s address and scolds her drunken dependent before leaving for the opera.
- At their chambers, Mortimer discusses Eugene’s debts and questions his uncertain intentions toward Lizzie.
- Jenny’s dependent arrives, and Eugene promises him fifteen shillings to obtain the address from correspondence.
- Despite Mortimer’s objections, Eugene defends using the man and describes how he humiliates the schoolmaster who follows him.
- Eugene takes Mortimer through London, exhausting and confronting Bradley Headstone during a chase lasting into its third hour.
- Headstone’s furious expression keeps Mortimer awake, while Eugene dismisses his concern and returns to sleep.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Mortimer distinguishes physical disgust from moral responsibility. His objection exposes the harm in Eugene’s willingness to buy information through a vulnerable intermediary.
Quick check
How does Mr. Dolls propose to obtain Lizzie’s address?
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