Our Mutual Friend, Chapter 8 summary
Chapter 8 of 68 · Book 1: The Cup and the Lip · 22 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, Mr. Boffin takes legal possession of the Harmon fortune, directs Mortimer Lightwood to offer a murder reward, and requests a will protecting his wife. After recalling the Harmon children’s suffering and meeting Eugene Wrayburn, he encounters Rokesmith, whose offer to become his secretary leaves him puzzled but willing to receive another visit.
What happens
- Mr. Boffin gives Blight two pounds before Lightwood confirms that the legal work securing his inheritance is complete.
- Boffin recalls how he and Mrs Boffin defend the Harmon children and comfort the young boy before his departure abroad.
- Boffin assigns ten thousand pounds to a murder reward despite Lightwood’s warning that excessive rewards encourage false accusations.
- He requests a short, secure will leaving everything to his wife without restrictions.
- Eugene Wrayburn challenges Boffin’s praise of bees as examples of hard work, leaving Boffin uneasy.
- Rokesmith follows Boffin, offers his services as secretary, and receives permission to visit without any promise of employment.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Boffin connects his new fortune with another person’s death. This concern prompts his first instruction as owner: setting aside money to pursue the murderer.
Quick check
Why does Lightwood object to the proposed ten-thousand-pound reward?
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