Chapter XXXII
Miss Mowcher visits David and
relates her part in the story. Steerforth made her believe that David was in
love with Emily and that he wanted to prevent him from seducing her.
She cautions David not
to judge her based on her size. She reminds him that it is not her fault that
she was born a dwarf and that she must be sarcastic to get by in the high
society she keeps. David agrees, and when Miss Mowcher leaves, he reflects that
he has a very different opinion of her than before.
Peggotty, her brother
and David arrive in London the next day. They visit Mrs. Steerforth. Mr
Peggotty asks her if her son will marry Emily. She refuses and blames Little
Em’ly for her son’s downfall and Mr. Peggotty for having raised such a wretch.
As they leave, Miss Dartle criticizes David for introducing Steerforth to
Little Em’ly and for bringing Mr. Peggotty to the house.
Mr. Peggotty departs
to search for Little Em’ly.
David takes Peggotty
to the Doctors’ Commons to settle her affairs. There they meet Mr. Murdstone
who has come to get his new marriage license.
Mr. Spenlow invites
David to his house for Dora’s birthday. A friend of hers, Miss Mills, arranges
for them to meet at her house.
David and Dora become
secretly engaged.
Traddles visits David and tells him
more about his fiancée. Through his tale, the reader understands her family
relies a lot on her.
Traddles tells David that Mr. Micawber has moved and changed his name to Mortimer. All of his things have been seized, including Traddles’s flower pot and table.
Peggotty purchases
these items back from the pawnbroker for him.
When they arrive home, Miss Betsey is there with Mr Dick and all of her possessions and with the news that she has been ruined by faulty business decisions.