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Our Mutual Friend, Book 3: A Long Lane, Chapter 12 summary

Book 3: A Long Lane, Chapter 12 of 68 · 13 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 12, Mr. Alfred Lammle and his wife face financial ruin and plan to gain Mr Boffin’s trust by exposing his secretary’s declaration to a girl. Mrs Lammle also asks Fledgeby to secure more time from their creditor, but he instead directs Riah to enforce the claim against their furniture.

What happens

  1. The Lammles discuss their debts and admit that their furniture is already subject to a creditor’s claim.
  2. Mrs Lammle proposes reporting the secretary’s declaration to Mr Boffin, hoping to secure his dismissal and gain influence.
  3. The couple considers Alfred taking the secretary’s position, but Mrs Lammle rejects trying to remove the girl.
  4. Mrs Lammle plans to approach Mr Boffin alone and without warning.
  5. Alfred hides upstairs while Mrs Lammle asks Fledgeby to persuade Riah to allow them more time.
  6. Fledgeby promises prompt help, then orders Riah to act against the Lammles instead.

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In this chapter

Boffin

What to notice

Mr. Alfred Lammle’s distrust extends even to his wife and supposed helper. Yet appearances still guide his judgment of Fledgeby’s claimed assistance.

Quick check

Why does Mrs Lammle want to speak to Mr Boffin without his wife present?

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