Summary — Chapter XLVIII. Domestic
Dora’s housekeeping habits do not improve. For a while,
David tries to form Dora’s mind into something to which he can offer
his more intimate and intelligent thoughts. But Dora will not be
reformed, and David eventually gives up. He is not exactly happy
in his marriage to her, for he feels that somehow they are not suited
for one another. David hopes that having a child might make Dora
more mature, and Dora apparently does become pregnant, but the baby either
miscarries or dies at birth. Soon, possibly as a consequence of this
pregnancy, Dora falls ill and loses the use of her legs, so David has
to carry her up and down the stairs.
Summary — Chapter XLIX. I am involved in Mystery
David receives a strange letter from Mr. Micawber, and
Traddles receives a similar letter from Mrs. Micawber. The letters
swear the men to secrecy, report that things in Micawber house are
going poorly, and beg to see Traddles and David if they can spare
the time. Traddles and David consult and agree to meet Mr. Micawber.
Mr. Micawber reveals that he is financially ruined because
Uriah Heep has cheated him. Vowing revenge, Mr. Micawber begs David and
Miss Betsey to meet him and Mrs. Micawber at an inn the following
week.
Summary — Chapter L. Mr. Peggotty’s Dream
comes true
Martha comes for David one night and encourages
him to follow her. She has already tried to retrieve Mr. Peggotty,
but he is not at home, so she has left him a note telling him where
to find her. Martha and David rush through the city to the place
where Little Em’ly is staying. They find Miss Dartle already there,
spewing hateful invectives at Little Em’ly. David refuses to intervene
for Little Em’ly because he feels that it is Mr. Peggotty’s duty
to get her. Eventually, Mr. Peggotty arrives and carries Little
Em’ly away, passed out in his arms.
Summary — Chapter LI. The Beginning of a
longer Journey
Mr. Peggotty comes to David and Miss Betsey and relates
the story Little Em’ly has told him. Little Em’ly escaped from Littimer
onto the beach, where, in a delirium, she was rescued by a young
woman whose husband was at sea. The woman nursed Little Em’ly back
to health. Little Em’ly went to France and England and intended
to go home. When she got close to home, however, she began to fear
that her family would not accept her, so she turned back. Martha
discovered Little Em’ly and took her in before going out to find
Mr. Peggotty and David.
Mr. Peggotty has resolved that he and Little Em’ly will
go to Australia because no one knows her there, which will enable
her to start over. In the meantime, Mr. Peggotty needs to go to
Yarmouth to say goodbye to Ham, and he asks David to accompany him.
When David arrives in Yarmouth, he visits Mr. Omer, who reports
that all is well with his family, although his own health is failing.
He is pleased to hear that all is looking up for Little Em’ly, and
he offers to help Martha if he can. David speaks to Ham, who asks
him to convey to Little Em’ly that he will always love her and that
he is sorry he forced his love on her. Mr. Peggotty closes up the
old house, and it is decided that Mrs. Gummidge will go with Mr.
Peggotty and Little Em’ly to Australia.
