Dickensians! discussion

BLEAK HOUSE: THREAD 4



Jo - Mervyn Peake 1945

This is a list of all the chapters in this thread, beginning with Bleak House's chapter 33, which is the first chapter in Charles Dickens's original monthly installment 11.
Clicking on each chapter will automatically link you to the summary for that chapter.

XI - January 1853 - chapters 33–35
Chapter 33 (Message 3)
Chapter 34 (Message 34)
Chapter 35 (Message 70)

XII - February 1853 - chapters 36–38
Chapter 36 (Message 110)
Chapter 37 (Message 146)
Chapter 38 (Message 189)

XIII - March 1853 - chapters 39–42
Chapter 39 (Message 215)
Chapter 40 (Message 255)
Chapter 41 (Message 305)
Chapter 42 (Message 337)

Installment 11:

Chapter 33: Interlopers

More about the Smallweeds’ relation to Mr. Krook; more antagonism between Mr. Guppy and “Mr Weevle”; an unsatisfactory meeting between Mr. Guppy and Lady Dedlock.

The discovery of Mr. Krook’s spontaneous combustion causes a sensation in the local area, especially coming so soon after Nemo’s mysterious death from opium. An extra frisson is added by the fact that it also happened in Krook’s rag and bottle shop, but on an upstairs floor. The same two Court reporters: “two gentlemen not very neat about the cuffs and buttons” as had written about the Coroner’s Inquest at the Sol’s Arms tavern, are first on the scene, keen to again document the circumstances surrounding the event.

The fact that the inquest is being held at Sol’s Arm is a great boon to the landlord of Sol’s Arms, Mr. J. G. Bogsby. Indeed, to capitalise on all the extra revenue because of the spontaneous combusion, Mr. Bogsby keeps the tavern open all night. Those who performed Harmonic Assemblies at the tavern, and witnesses such as Mrs. Piper and Mrs. Perkins are fully occupied in telling the gruesome details of how:

“the foetid effluvia [were] emitted from the premises in the occupation of Krook, the unfortunate deceased”. Miss Flite has been rescued from her chamber, and installed in the tavern. Everyone is now so merry, that they want to spend sixpence to buy the fireman and the two policemen a drink.

Mr. Bogsby seizes the opportunity of persuading Mr. Weevle and Mr. Guppy to stay, as they had been eye witnesses to the event, and for their part they enjoy the free food and drink on offer, becoming quite tipsy:

“Mr. Weevle and his friend Mr. Guppy are within the bar at the Sol and are worth anything to the Sol that the bar contains if they will only stay there. ‘This is not a time,’ says Mr. Bogsby, ‘to haggle about money,’ though he looks something sharply after it, over the counter; ‘give your orders, you two gentlemen, and you’re welcome to whatever you put a name to.’

Thus entreated, the two gentlemen (Mr. Weevle especially) put names to so many things that in course of time they find it difficult to put a name to anything quite distinctly, though they still relate to all new-comers some version of the night they have had of it, and of what they said, and what they thought, and what they saw.”

In the early morning, Mr. Snagsby who is taking a walk, calls in at the tavern.



"My love, you know these two gentlemen?" - Fred Barnard 1873

When he learns of Mr. Krook’s demise, he is more worried than ever. To make matters worse, his wife arrives: “with her eyes fixed upon him like an accusing spirit”. Poor Mr. Snagsby feels even more confused about whether he might be involved, or even in some sense guilty, of the whole business:

“He is not prepared positively to deny that he may have had something to do with it. He has had something—he don’t know what—to do with so much in this connexion that is mysterious that it is possible he may even be implicated, without knowing it, in the present transaction. He faintly wipes his forehead with his handkerchief and gasps …

“My little woman … don’t for goodness’ sake speak to me with that bitter expression and look at me in that searching way! I beg and entreat of you not to do it. Good Lord, you don’t suppose that I would go spontaneously combusting any person, my dear?”
“I can’t say,” returns Mrs. Snagsby.”

Mrs. Snagby decides that it would be best if her husband returns home with her, and much crestfallen, he accompanies her.

Meanwhile, Mr. Guppy, brooding on this setback to his plans, is still not prepared to give them up. He tries to convince his friend Tony Jobling that it would be a good idea to stay in Mr. Krook’s house, so that he can look for any more mysterious documents the old man might have stored away. But Tony (or “Mr. Weevle”) has made up his mind not to

“”Now, I tell you what, William G.!“ returns the other, eyeing his companion with a bloodshot eye. ”If it’s a point of conspiracy, you needn’t take the trouble to mention it. I have had enough of that, and I ain’t going to have any more.“”

Mr. William Guppy tells him not to be so personal and they have a bad-tempered, heated and spiteful argument.

Calming down a little, Mr. Guppy entreats Mr. Weevle not to say too much, and especially not to let out anything about the real purpose of his midnight meeting with Krook. It would be better if he just stick to the facts about Krook not being able to read, and say that he had simply been going to read something for him—with no mention of any letters. Mr. Weevle agrees that this is probably for the best:

“”And this is not a conspiracy, perhaps?“ says the injured Guppy.””

Mr. Weevle however, insists:

“haggardly staring … with a very genuine shudder”

that he is positively not willing to spend another night in that house.

The two friends begin to argue again, but are interrupted by a hackney-coach driving into the square. All the Smallweed family are inside, evincing: “an air of haste and excitement”.

Grandfather Smallweed asks them to carry him to into Sol’s Arms, and complains:

“Oh, Lord! Oh, dear me! Oh, my bones!” whilst shaking his fist at the cab-driver. Once inside, he switches his attention, bursting out with:

“Sit down, you dancing, prancing, shambling, scrambling poll-parrot! Sit down!” to his wife, who is particularly lively, and wants to dance with the Windsor arm-chair as her partner.



Grandmother Smallweed - 'Kyd'

Grandfather Smallweed mentions a calamity, and then says:

“”I owe you a thousand thanks for discharging the melancholy office of discovering the ashes of Mrs. Smallweed’s brother.”
“Eh?” says Mr. Guppy.”

Grandfather Smallweed thus drops the bombshell that Krook and Mrs. Smallweed were brother and sister, and that he doubts whether there is any will. Avariciously he says:

“‘I have come down,’ repeats Grandfather Smallweed, hooking the air towards him with all his ten fingers at once ‘to look after the property’”,

and to affirm his legal rights to Krook’s rag and bottle shop. Mr. Guppy is rather put out at this new discovery, and says to his friend Bartholomew Smallweed:

“’I think, Small,’ says the disconsolate Mr. Guppy, ‘you might have mentioned that the old man was your uncle.’
‘You two were so close about him that I thought you would like me to be the same,’ returns that old bird with a secretly glistening eye. ‘Besides, I wasn’t proud of him.’
‘Besides which, it was nothing to you, you know, whether he was or not,’ says Judy. Also with a secretly glistening eye.
‘He never saw me in his life to know me,’ observed Small; ‘I don’t know why I should introduce HIM, I am sure!’”

But whether or not anybody ever met with their uncle, Grandfather Smallweed says the business is now in the hands of his solicitor, Mr. Tulkinghorn.



Taking Possession - Fred Barnard 1873

There is more mayhem as Mrs. Smallweed has one of her excitable moments, making nonsense speeches about money, and Mr. Smallweed getting himself into such a state that various people have to “shake him up”. Mr. Tulkinghorn’s clerk arrives to confirm that this is all correct, whereupon Grandfather Smallweed is allowed to visit Miss Flite’s former rooms:

“on a visit of sentiment … where he looks like a hideous bird of prey newly added to her aviary”.



Miss Flite - 'Kyd'

All in all, Mrs. Piper and Mrs. Perkins think it is hard upon the young lodger, Mr. Weevle, if there really is no will. There is also talk about the size of the coffin, since there is virtually nothing to put in it. Nevertheless it is generally agreed that a full sized coffin would be more respectful, and everyone is relieved when “a six-footer” is ordered: “and it is considered that Mr. Smallweed’s conduct does him great honour”.

The gossiping and excitement continue, and:

“the two gentlemen before mentioned pop in and out of every house and assist at the philosophical disputations—go everywhere and listen to everybody—and yet are always diving into the Sol’s parlour and writing with the ravenous little pens on the tissue-paper.”

The coroner holds an inquiry, and proclaims that although it “would seem to be an unlucky house … but so we sometimes find it, and these are mysteries we can’t account for!”

Now a disconsolate Mr. Guppy knows that he must go to Chesney Wold, to inform Lady Dedlock of these latest events. That evening he presents himself there:

“with a sinking heart and with that hang-dog sense of guilt upon him which dread and watching enfolded in the Sol’s Arms have produced”.

While waiting to be announced by the footman, Mr. Guppy gets the shivers, imagining things and remembering his discovery of Krook’s remains. But then Lady Dedlock comes in “most brilliantly dressed” and ready to go out to dinner. He tells her that he does not have the letters:

“Mr. Guppy besides being depressed, disappointed, and uneasy, is put at a further disadvantage by the splendour and beauty of her appearance.
She knows its influence perfectly, has studied it too well to miss a grain of its effect on any one … she looks at him so steadily and coldly“,

and Mr. Guppy is aware that he has not the faintest idea what she is thinking. He explains that the person who had the letters has “come to a sudden end”, and Lady Dedlock guesses the rest, that surely the letters are destroyed with that person? Yes, he suspects so. And Guppy is summarily dismissed.



The old man of the name of Tulkinghorn - Phiz (Hablot Knight Browne) January 1853

But as luck would have it, Mr. Tulkinghorn is there, right outside the door. He comes in just as Mr. Guppy is leaving:

“One glance between the old man and the lady, and for an instant the blind that is always down flies up. Suspicion, eager and sharp, looks out. Another instant, close again.”

Lady Dedlock again dismisses Guppy, and Mr. Tulkinhorn makes a point of greeting him,saying that he believes he is from Kenge and Carboy’s, is that correct? Guppy confirms that this is so, and Mr. Tulkinghorn assists Lady Dedlock to her waiting carriage. But on his way back upstairs, and all that evening, Mr. Tulkinghorn is very thoughtful.

A comical chapter with a portentous end.

What bad luck for William Guppy! And what will Mr. Tulkinghorn make of all this subterfuge? And Lady Dedlock? She must fear the worst now; fear that her secret will be discovered.

What are your thoughts about the action that transpired in Sol's Arms, and later?

My initial reaction was that Smallweed is lying. And Grandmother Smallweed is too out of it to refute the claims of her being Krook’s sister. Smallweed says there is a lawyer engaged, so I’m wondering what, if any, proof he has or what proof was needed then to support the claim on Krook’s property. My other question is what was Tulkinghorn doing at Lady D’s? I have more questions than answers at this point.

2 days ago Jean told us that Dickens faced criticism from some people who ridiculed the idea of spontaneous human combustion. That probably occurred in the intervening month between the previous instalment and this, and the passage where Dickens talks about the evidence for spontaneous combustion seems to be Dickens’ rebuttal to the critics. He mentions Cornelia Baudi, whom wiki says was indeed suspected to have died of spontaneous combustion.

The ending of the chapter doesn’t bode well for Lady D. When Guppy was prying into her affairs, it never seemed like he’d get the upper hand over Lady D, but Tulkinghorn is a more sinister character. With Esther also sick and Richard in the army, nothing looks good at the moment.

Jean, I have a question about the publication of Dickens' installments. Did he print a certain number of copies just one time, or did his publisher print additional copies based on demand? I just got to thinking about how much excitement Dickens must have generated with Installment X when he wrote of spontaneous combustion in Chapter 32, and how some people - late to the game - would have wanted to get their hands on Installment X.

If I remember correctly, Tulkinghorn has a space/room that he frequently went to at the Dedlock’s home. So him showing up was coincidental but timely for him with Guppy being there.

I question why Lady D automatically believed the letters were destroyed after Guppy said the one who had them had come to a sudden end. Would she have heard of the incident? It just seemed odd to me unless she knew the circumstances, but I can’t imagine she would have.

It’s peculiar that Krook is Mrs. Smallweed’s sister, but possible. And even more peculiar that Granfather immediately makes his way to secure the property. He must know there is something valuable there or just doesn’t want anyone else to be privy to it. This way, Tulkinghorn has first dibs and we know he was there the night of Nemo’s death and must believe something in Krook’s possession would be interesting for him to know about.

Lori wrote: "If I remember correctly, Tulkinghorn has a space/room that he frequently went to at the Dedlock’s home. So him showing up was coincidental but timely for him with Guppy being there.

I question wh..."

Thanks, Lori, I missed that!

Bionic Jean wrote: " To make matters worse, his wife arrives: “with her eyes fixed upon him like an accusing spirit”"

Poor Mr Snagsby. His wife (to me, at least) seems a bit of a domineering shrew and a temperance advocate in the bargain. Anyone else feel the same?

When I read the part where Smallweed claimed ownership of Krook's assets (through his wife) and hired Tulkinghorn to litigate the matter, I really wondered who hired who? Did Smallweed learn about the incident first and hire Tulkinghorn to gain control of Krook's house, or did Tulkinghorn learn first about the "availability" of Krook's house and "hired" the unscrupulous Smallweed to pose as Krook's brother-in-law to gain control of Krook's house? These two are so crooked and devious!

Donna wrote: "My initial reaction was that Smallweed is lying. And Grandmother Smallweed is too out of it to refute the claims of her being Krook’s sister. Smallweed says there is a lawyer engaged, so I’m wonder..."

Perhaps we're watching a brilliant legal subterfuge jointly hatched between Smallweed and Tulkinghorn to lay their hands on letters and copies of what could be proved to be Hawdon's handwriting - which evidence Mr George had shown himself unwilling to provide.

Paul wrote: "Bionic Jean wrote: " To make matters worse, his wife arrives: “with her eyes fixed upon him like an accusing spirit”"

Poor Mr Snagsby. His wife (to me, at least) seems a bit of a domineering shrew..."

Yes, indeed, Paul! I felt so sorry for him when his wife came around and glares at him suspiciously. Then, Mr. Snagsby coughs his cough of meekness, then he coughs his cough of trouble. Poor man... he can't catch a break, and he's probably one of the most likable characters in this story.

Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "Jean, I have a question about the publication of Dickens' installments. Did he print a certain number of copies just one time, or did his publisher print additional copies based on demand?..."

There weren't any additional copies published after the month end. By this time Charles Dickens had increasingly more control over the number of issues printed, but we'd need to consult vol 3 of John Forster's biography for a definitive answer I think.

We'll be reading that as a group side read after this main read (it has spoilers!) but if anyone has read it recently and would like to chip in, please do!

Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "Paul wrote: "Bionic Jean wrote: " To make matters worse, his wife arrives: “with her eyes fixed upon him like an accusing spirit”"

Poor Mr Snagsby. His wife (to me, at least) seems a bit of a domi..."

I agree Shirley , he’s very likable and he tried to speak up to her in this chapter but it didn’t work out well. It’s a shame they don’t have children because that glare of hers reminds me of one a mom might give a child who is misbehaving. She’d have them whipped into shape but I’m not sure she’d have much love.

Lori wrote: "If I remember correctly, Tulkinghorn has a space/room that he frequently went to at the Dedlock’s home..."

That's right, Lori and Donna, Mr. Tulkinghorn's turret room is in chapter 12, with that wonderful illustration by Harry Furniss of him going out on the roof leads :) LINK HERE

“He sleeps in his turret with a complaining flag-staff over his head, and has some leads outside on which, any fine morning when he is down here, his black figure may be seen walking before breakfast like a larger species of rook.”

Mr. Tulkinghorn is Sir. Leicester's solicitor, so he is often at Chesney Wold, staying for a few days. On that occasion Lady Dedlock was increasingly nervous as to what hold he might have over her. Mr. Tulkinghorn's loyalty is to the family name, and Sir Leicester, not to her. She is merely an adjunct.

Maggie wrote: "2 days ago Jean told us that Dickens faced criticism from some people who ridiculed the idea of spontaneous human combustion ..."

There was some discussion in the press, as I detailed LINK HERE. But this is separate:

"the passage where Dickens talks about the evidence for spontaneous combustion seems to be Dickens’ rebuttal to the critics."

It was, yes, but remember that this was almost a year later, not the next month. The part about Cornelia Baudi is in his Preface to the book edition, in 1853:

LINK HERE

By that time Charles Dickens expected that everyone would have read the entire text already, in installments. Thus one was ongoing with the magazine installments, but his statement was much later.

I have a question about Tulkinghorn arriving to see Lady Dedlock on this evening as I thought she was in London, especially since Guppy obviously visited her so quickly after Krook’s death. Would Tulkinghorn have automatic entry to the Dedlock city home as he did in the country? He doesn’t appear to have been announced as he entered while Lady Dedlock was still with Guppy. I had wondered if they were going to dinner together until it appeared that Tulkinghorn stayed at the house after helping her into her carriage.

I did just double check and the text reads that Guppy visited Lady Dedlock at the town mansion. So it appears that Tulkinghorn has free access there too! His relationship with the Dedlocks is odd. Or were lawyers of the time accorded that sort of luxury?

Sue wrote: "His relationship with the Dedlocks is odd. Or were lawyers of the time accorded that sort of luxury..."

I agree. We've been given several indications that Mr. Tulkinghorn enjoys a very privileged relationship with Sir Leicester. He is almost a friend - or as near a friend as Sir Leicester has, anyway. The baronet is quite a lonely man, and he respects Mr. Tulkinghorn a great deal. Certainly it was not common to provide living quarters for your solicitor.

Sir Leicester did not need to provide a room for him in town (London) because this is where Mr. Tulkinghorn lives anyway. I doubt whether Mr. Tulkinghorn could "walk straight in" to Sir Leicester's town house, but "Mercury" (any servant) would know how privileged Mr. Tulkinghorn was, and immediately announce his presence to his master. Mr Tulkinghorn would not be denied access, because whatever business he had come on would be a matter of importance to Sir Leicester. Having said that, both men know their positions very well.

On the other hand we do not know whether or not Sir Leicester was there. Mercury had been reluctant to allow Mr. Guppy an audience with Lady Dedlock, so perhaps not. It is left open.

All Charles Dickens's "mems" say about this part of the chapter is:

"Lady Dedlock - the young man - and the old man"

Bionic Jean wrote: "We'll be reading that (John Forster's biography) as a group side read after this main read.."

Do you know when you are planning the side read, Jean? I bought this beautiful book last year and haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I want to make sure I make time for it (I have other Buddy Reads planned for the next few months as well).

Maggie is this the passage in today's chapter you were referring to as possibly a rebuttal by Dickens -

Some of these authorities (of course the wisest) hold with indignation that the deceased had no business to die in the alleged manner; and being reminded by other authorities of a certain inquiry into the evidence for such deaths reprinted in the sixth volume of the Philosophical Transactions; and also of a book not quite unknown on English medical jurisprudence; and likewise of the Italian case of the Countess Cornelia Baudi as set forth in detail by one Bianchini, prebendary of Verona, who wrote a scholarly work or so and was occasionally heard of in his time as having gleams of reason in him....

Jean I'm confused because Dickens wrote of the Countess Baudi's death by SHC in this chapter, then he later included his research in a preface to the 1853 book edition of BH. Like Maggie, I'm wondering if he'd already written this part of the chapter before critics questioned his choice of death for Krook or if he inserted it after the criticism arose.

I couldn't find any mention of SHC in Forster Vol 3, which was disappointing because I very much wanted his view of it and more background, letters from Dickens about it, etc.

**edit** looking at the installment publication dates, installment x was released in December 1852. Installment xi was released in January 1853. So Dickens wouldn't have had time to alter the January installment to address any criticism. He must have originally included the passage above in this chapter when he wrote it. Dickens says in his 1853 preface -

general reference to the authorities which will be found at page 30, vol. ii....

Is this "general reference" the passage I quoted above? If so, I've answered my own question and please delete this post if you feel it's cluttering the discussion :D

I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter. I love the little slices of life mixed in with the plot development. The gossiping, people out all night watching and listening for information, the Sol's Arms staying open all night to profit from the event, the little boys playing at death by SHC the next day - it's all so believable, I love it.

The argument between Guppy and Weevle had me laughing out loud. I don't know that Weevle is necessarily a good or bad individual, but he's funny as anything to me. He seems to have a bit of an "everything happens to me" temperament, and when his desire to lay low and just earn a living collides with Guppy's plans and "conspiracies", it's so funny. I love the illustrations that show Weevle in the Sol's Arms sort of poured into his chair. That probably indicates how many free drinks he had overnight, but I also see a "woe is me" air about him.

Not sure what Mrs Snagsby's problem is. She definitely appears to be shrewish, domineering, controlling. Going back to chapter 10 -

Mr. and Mrs. Snagsby are not only one bone and one flesh, but, to the neighbours’ thinking, one voice too. That voice, appearing to proceed from Mrs. Snagsby alone....

Rumour, always flying bat-like about Cook’s Court and skimming in and out at everybody’s windows, does say that Mrs. Snagsby is jealous and inquisitive and that Mr. Snagsby is sometimes worried out of house and home, and that if he had the spirit of a mouse he wouldn’t stand it.

This may just be one of those marriages where the wife wears the pants.

Cozy_Pug wrote: "I couldn't find any mention of SHC in Forster Vol 3, ..."

Oh that's a shame; I was rather hoping you had!

Yes, you and Maggie are both right in that Charles Dickens refers to Countess Baudi in chapter 33 too! I can't find any indication of when he put it in i.e. whether it was for a later edition, but it's plausible that he inserted it when the book was published in book form, although not when it was first published in the magazine ...

There are more studies about Krook's death in:

Elizabeth Wiley in "Dickensian" LVIII (1962)
George Perkins in "Dickensian" LX (1964)
Trevor Blount in "Dickens Studies Annual" (1970)
George Perkins in "Dickensian" LXIX (1973)

if you'd like to explore. I know both Sean and Judy can access the "Dickensian" journal.

Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "Bionic Jean wrote: "We'll be reading that (John Forster's biography) as a group side read after this main read.."

Do you know when you are planning the side read, Jean? ..."

I remember you getting this, Shirley :) I wondered about putting part 3 in straight after we finish Bleak House, but know that quite a few are still on part 2. Maybe you could begin it so that you'll be ready for part 3 in the summer? Here are the ongoing threads:

Part 1 LINK HERE

Part 2 LINK HERE

Bionic Jean wrote: "Cozy_Pug wrote: "I couldn't find any mention of SHC in Forster Vol 3, ..."

Oh that's a shame; I was rather hoping you had!

Yes, you and Maggie are both right in that [author:Charles Dickens|23957..."

I just edited my post - we cross posted, sorry!

I'd love to read those Dickensian studies - are those with access allowed to share them?

As far as additional print runs of installment x, I looked through Forster vol 3 and only found these specific mentions of BH sales -

*The first number sold 30,000 copies as of March 7, 1852.
*Sometime between January through mid-June 1853, sales rose to nearly 40,000. I couldn't determine which installment that figure refers to.

If Dickens didn't do additional printings of installments if they sold out, I wonder if that drove demand. Or did people know they could find someone with a copy to read aloud or loan out, or wait for the book edition to be released?

Lori wrote: "I question why Lady D automatically believed the letters were destroyed after Guppy said the one who had them had come to a sudden end. Would she have heard of the incident? It just seemed odd to me unless she knew the circumstances, but I can’t imagine she would have."

We know Krook's death was covered in the London press (the reporters quickly descended on the scene like vultures!), and it was so unusual that we can figure it would have made the front page. We also know that Sir Leicester subscribes to at least one newspaper. So it would be very likely that Lady Dedlock had already read that particular story with special interest, IMO.

Cozy_Pug - All the installment dates are at the beginning of each thread in Nisa's link, and the whole novel's installments are listed at the beginning of the first thread, as are all the group reads of Charles Dickens's novels. So you can easily check them with your sales figures.

I additionally alerted everyone to the fact that Krook's demise and Esther's illness were in December 1852 - so probably deliberately timed for a great family get-together discussion for those who celebrated Christmas. There would have been some spooky and gruesome readings around the fire that year!

Yes, sales drove numbers published, as now.

Judy and I have already spoken about the possibility of sharing the "Dickensian" journal features, but they are copyright, so she would have to talk about or paraphrase parts of them, as I do for my information posts.

Yes, I think we are getting a bit off-topic!

Werner - good point :)

I particularly enjoyed Charles Dickens's descriptions of the two reporters. It was tongue-in-cheek because of course he had been one himself!

Excellent, Werner! Thank you for clearing that up. It makes perfect sense.

Bionic Jean wrote: "Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "Bionic Jean wrote: "We'll be reading that (John Forster's biography) as a group side read after this main read.."

Do you know when you are planning th..."

Thank you, Jean! I will start reading Parts I and II now, so I can read Part III along with the group. Thank you also for the links to the first two parts.

Great! It would be nice if you could tell us about a few of the illustrations too. Yours sounds a very nice edition :)

That's all from me today.

Bionic Jean wrote: "Great! It would be nice if you could tell us about a few of the illustrations too. Yours sounds a very nice edition :)

That's all from me today."

I sure will, Jean!

Well, that took me by complete surprise. As I was feeling someone sinister might get access to the letters, it never occurred to me that Krook might be related to the Smallweeds. Of course, I trembled a little when Krook named Tulkinghorn as his solicitor and then we end with Tulkinghorn perhaps over-hearing Lady D and Guppy.

Human nature never changes, as we see all the people in the area gathering to get the gossip about the gruesome events and imbibing in some brews as if this were a celebration.

I was also wondering why Lady D assumed the letters were gone with the possessor, but I like Werner's explanation very much.

Chapter 34: A Turn of the Screw

The Money-lender Turns the Screw on Mr. George.

Mr. George has received a note from Grandfather Smallweed, in which he is reminded that his bill is due on the next day. He calls his assistant Phil Squod over and reads it to him. They agree that this means mischief. Mr. George says that it has always been understood that the bill would be renewed each time it became due, but Phil Squod doesn’t hesitate to disparage Grandfather Smallweed:

“he’s a leech in his dispositions, he’s a screw and a wice in his actions, a snake in his twistings, and a lobster in his claws.”

He suggests to Mr. George that they could whitewash it, but Mr. George is not prepared to ignore the letter. The only trouble is that Mr. George’s friend Matthew Bagnet is standing surety for his debts, which he incurred in opening the shooting gallery. Therefore Mr. Smallweed’s refusal to renew the bill would not only ruin him, but also ruin the Bagnets.

At that very moment, Mr. Bagnet and his wife arrive in order to sign their bill for Mr. George. Mrs. Bagnet has her capacious umbrella with her, and her wicker market-basket, and together these have accompanied her all round the world with her husband:



"Mrs. Bagnet" possibly in Quebec? - oil painting by John Absolon (1815-1895)

“Attended by these her trusty companions, therefore, her honest sunburnt face looking cheerily out of a rough straw bonnet, Mrs. Bagnet now arrives, fresh-coloured and bright, in George’s Shooting Gallery.”

However, she senses at once that there is something wrong, and Mr. George agrees that he is not quite himself.

“Her bright quick eye catches the truth directly”

that somehow their friend has brought ruin upon her husband and her little family. Mrs. Bagnet begins to complain bitterly about Mr. George’s lack of responsibility:

“George … I wonder at you! George, I am ashamed of you! George, I couldn’t have believed you would have done it! I always knew you to be a rolling stone that gathered no moss, but I never thought you would have taken away what little moss there was for Bagnet and the children to lie upon. You know what a hard-working, steady-going chap he is. You know what Quebec and Malta and Woolwich are, and I never did think you would, or could, have had the heart to serve us so. Oh, George! … How could you do it?”

Mr. George is conscience-stricken, and say it is true that he is an old vagabond, but he has tried to be true to them, and in fact he has only just received the letter in the last few minutes. Mr. Bagnet says:

“Old girl … will you tell him my opinion?”

Mrs. Bagnet continues to lament, saying that if Mr. George had only settled and married Joe Pouch’s widow, none of this business with the loan and the shooting gallery would have come to pass. However, she comes round after a while. Mrs. Bagnet then says she has faith that Mr. George will go to Mr Smallweed, and do whatever is necessary, so that the matter will be settled before long. With that, Mrs. Bagnet returns home, leaving her husband with Mr. George, so that he can help mollify the old money-lender. The narrator comments sardonically:

“Whether there are two people in England less likely to come satisfactorily out of any negotiation with Mr. Smallweed than Mr. George and Mr. Matthew Bagnet may be very reasonably questioned.”

Nevertheless Mr. George and Mr. Bagnet go to pay Mr. Smallweed a visit, to see what can be done. Mr. Smallweed is outwardly polite, but receives them with ill-veiled malice. When Mr. George brings out the letter, he: “smiles in a very ugly way”. Mr. George puts his his case, saying that he has always made the payments regularly. He says that Mr. Bagnet has never seen any of the money, and gains in confidence as he speaks, even though Mr. Smallweed gives no sign of conciliation:

“”You can ASK me anything, Mr. George.“ (There is an ogreish kind of jocularity in Grandfather Smallweed to-day.)”



Mr. Smallweed Breaks the Pipe of Peace - "Phiz" (Hablot Knight Browne) 1853

All at once Judy shrieks in derision and contempt, unless it is “some shrill spectre cr[ying] out in a mocking manner”.



Judy Smallweed - Kyd

Grandfather Smallweed finally says that he will not renew the bill and smashes Mr. George’s pipe to smithereens, thereby making the point that he will never again treat him to a pipe of tobacco, and shouting all the while:

“I’ll smash you. I’ll crumble you. I’ll powder you. Go to the devil! …Go to the devil! … I’ll have no more of your pipe-smokings and swaggerings. What? You’re an independent dragoon, too! Go to my lawyer (you remember where; you have been there before) and show your independence now, will you?”



Grandfather Smallweed's Anger - Harry Furniss 1910

The two men are unceremoniously removed from the premises by Judy, and Mr. George is utterly confounded. He finally says that the best thing is to go see Mr. Tulkinghorn, Mr. Smallweed’s legal adviser. Mr. Bagnet rather wishes that he wife had been there:

“If my old girl had been here—I’d have told him!”

So Mr. George and Mr. Bagnet go to Mr. Tulkinghorn’s office, where they are made to wait interminably. An hour and more passes. Mr. Tulkinghorn is probably making sure that they are kept waiting in order to wear them down. Eventually Mrs. Rouncewell, Chesney Wold’s housekeeper, emerges from her meeting with the lawyer:



Mrs. Rouncewell- Kyd

Noticing their soldierly bearing, she asks whether Mr. George and Mr. Bagnet are military men, and stops to exchange a few words:

“My heart warms, gentlemen, at the sight of you. It always does at the sight of such. God bless you, gentlemen! You’ll excuse an old woman, but I had a son once who went for a soldier. A fine handsome youth he was, and good in his bold way, though some people did disparage him to his poor mother.”

Mr. Bagnet engages in a little conversation with the old lady, but Mr. George is busy studying the almanac over the fireplace, and does not even look at her, let alone talk to her. Mrs. Rouncewell blesses them before bidding them farewell, and Mr. Bagnet returns her greeting gladly, and noticing how cast down and melancholy his friend is, tries to cheer him up.

Eventually, Mr. Tulkinghorn admits Mr. George and Mr. Bagnet into his office. Mr. Tulkinghorn reminds Mr. George that he does not wish to see anyone who would harbour a criminal (referring to Mr. Gridley). When Mr. George says he has been told by Mr. Smallweed to appeal to Mr. Tulkinghorn directly, Mr. Tulkinghorn makes it abundantly clear that no man is above the law when it comes to his obligation to pay off a debt:

“I tell you, sergeant, I have nothing to say to you. I don’t like your associates and don’t want you here. This matter is not at all in my course of practice and is not in my office … You must go to Melchisedech’s in Clifford’s Inn.”

But Mr. George has a proposal. He tells the lawyer confidentially, out of earshot of Mr. Bagnet, that he wishes to have the Bagnets completely absolved from their legal obligation to stand surety for him. He says that if Mr. Tulkinghorn can assure him that they will not suffer, Mr. George will hand over to Mr. Tulkinghorn the sample of Captain Hawdon’s handwriting, which he has in his possession, even though he had previously denied the lawyer from looking at it. Mr. Tulkinghorn gives a careful speech in response to this. He insists to Mr. George that he must make up his mind right now, because this is final. They will never discuss it again. If Mr. George chooses to leave the letter, then:

“I can go so far besides as to give you a written undertaking that this man Bagnet shall never be troubled in any way until you have been proceeded against to the utmost, that your means shall be exhausted before the creditor looks to his. This is in fact all but freeing him. Have you decided?”



""Taken in Hand by Mr. Tulkinghorn" - Fred Barnard 1873

Mr. George draws a long, sighing breath, but agrees, and brings out the letter. As Mr. Tulkinghorn looks at it, his face is like stone; his expression unreadable. He nods, and the two men are shown out.

Later that evening, Mr. George has dinner with the Bagnets. He seems in low spirits; very moody and dejected. The Bagnets, not understanding the details, try to cheer him up. Mrs. Bagnet thinks that the little girls, Quebec and Malta, will restore his good mood. But they know that their “Bluffy” is not his usual cheery self. After dinner, while quietly sewing, Mrs. Bagnet tries to draw Mr. George out. She says how sorry she is for her behaviour that morning, in not trusting him to sort everything out. Now she congratulates Mr. George for having settled the money problem, and says she knew he would.

After a little while more, Mr. George looks over at the Bagnets’ son Woolwich, and takes him aside, with his father’s approval, saying:

“The time will come, my boy … when this hair of your mother’s will be grey, and this forehead all crossed and re-crossed with wrinkles, and a fine old lady she’ll be then. Take care, while you are young, that you can think in those days, ‘I never whitened a hair of her dear head—I never marked a sorrowful line in her face!’ For of all the many things that you can think of when you are a man, you had better have THAT by you, Woolwich!”

And after that, Mr. George hurriedly decides that he will smoke his pipe outside, for a while.

So the plot thickens.

We now know who Mr. Smallweed's "friend in the city" is (well done those who guessed!) And we have a new name too - Melchisedech. You might remember we had a Reverend Melchisedech Howler in Dombey and Son - and it was not a flattering portrayal! (view spoiler)[He was a ranting preacher (hide spoiler)]. (Someone else might tell us about who he is in the Bible, and why his name might have been chosen!) We don't yet know if he will be important.

Mr. Tulkinghorn is flexing his muscles and asserting his power, but why did he want to see the handwriting, and what might he do next?

Was Mr. George merely preoccupied with his money problem, do you think? Or was there something else. He seemed very reluctant to show his face to Mrs. Rouncewell.

I’ve caught up!

I thought that the beginning of chapter 33 sounded a bit like a legal document - lots of words without saying too much.

I also question the relationship between the Smallwoods and Krook as it seems too convenient, but assume that they will be able to verify it.

Mrs. Bagnet, Mrs. Snagsby and Mrs. Jellyby:

I loved Mr. Bagnet's observation:

“If my old girl had been here—I’d have told him!”

Mrs. Bagnet rules her husband just as Mrs. Snagsby does, but they are deliberately contrasted. Mrs. Bagnet puts her family before everything. Mrs. Bagnet is the one who makes all the decisions, and is completely focused on taking care of her family’s financial affairs. In fact she is as ready as a lioness to fight for her family. Mrs. Snagsby, on the other hand, is full of resentment and suspicion, and makes her husband's life a misery.

And again, what a difference there is between Mrs. Bagnet and Mrs. Jellyby! All three women are the strong, decisive one in their marriages, but poles apart in their behaviour and motives.

Mrs. Bagnet is the complete opposite to Mrs. Jellyby, acting as a foil to her in the novel. She represents a wife who is a true and loyal companion to her husband. She is always deferred to by Mr. Bagnet, who says: “she’s as sweet and as mild as milk. But touch her on the children—or myself—and she’s off like gunpowder” and also agrees that she is worth her weight in gold, although “I never say so. Discipline must be maintained.”

By the way, don't you think that oil painting is beautiful? It's nice to have a realistic portrait of Mrs. Bagnet.

Charles Dickens has released a bit more of the plot here! What are your thoughts?

Two questions occurred to me concerning Mrs Rouncewell:

First, of course, why was she consulting with Mr Tulkinghorn? An intermediary on behalf of the Dedlocks or was she there on business of her own?

Second, despite the fact that Dickens was careful to ensure that George remained facing the bookshelf and preoccupied with the Almanac as Mrs Rouncewell was speaking, does anyone else think it was stretching credibility a bit to suggest he wouldn't have recognized her voice? OR perhaps the point is that he DID recognize the voice and remained with his back to her so that she would not recognize him!?

Well done Kathleen - good to have your comments again :)

Grandfather Smallweed became even more unlikable in this chapter! I absolutely love the Bagnet family though, they care for each other and open thier home and heart to Mr George.
I think he is Mrs Rouncewell's son and thats why he stayed silent and turned away.
I really want to know what's happening with Esther! And is Miss Flyte ok? I know it was said she was moved into Sols Arms, but her state of mind was not mentioned.
Also, I wonder if the title of this chapter was inspired by Henry James story of the same name, or vice versa,or if it was just coincidence.

Jenny,
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James was published in 1898 while Bleak House was first published in 1852.

I feel bad for Mrs. Rouncewell. She so wants to know what has happened to her son and to see him if he is alive. George thinks that he is protecting her by not letting her see him. He is ashamed of himself so I think it's his pride that makes him hide his face from her in Tulkinghorn's "waiting room."

Paul wrote: " why was she consulting with Mr Tulkinghorn? An intermediary on behalf of the Dedlocks or was she there on business of her ..."

Mrs. Rouncewell is evidently a regular at Mr. Tulkinghorn's chambers:

"She is treated with some distinction there, for the clerk steps out of his pew to show her through the outer office and to let her out."

The distinction is due to her connection with the Dedlock family, but so far we have not been told what her business is.

Thanks Anne for the dates!

Bionic Jean wrote: "A comical chapter with a portentous end.

What bad luck for William Guppy! And what will Mr. Tulkinghorn make of all this subterfuge? And Lady Dedlock? She must fear the worst now; fear that her se..."

I recently posted a list of the varieties of people Dickens found objectionable; perhaps I need to add journalists — at least those associated with tabloids and scandal sheets. And we might add pompous and ineffectual local officials, gossips and the intrusive mobs of rubbernecking idlers who turn up at any sort of disaster. All of them come in for some sharply pointed ridicule as they gather at the scene of Krook’s bodily conflagration. The same crowd that materialized at Nemo’s demise.
Who else should appear on the scene but old Smallweed, declaring himself to be sole heir and custodian of the late Krook’s property; no opportunity escapes the old buzzard’s grasp. Mr. Smallweed is at once permitted so far to assert his supremacy as to be carried on a visit of sentiment into the next house, and upstairs into Miss Flite’s deserted room, where he looks like a hieous bird of prey newly added to her aviary. How perfectly apt!
Guppy’s schemes have all come to naught; he is reduced to eating humble pie before Lady Dedlock. The question hovering in my mind is: Was Krook’s strange death on the very night he was scheduled to hand over the letters a coincidence or was some other agent at work? And Lady Dedlock seems to have anticipated that the letters were destroyed; is she relieved, puzzled or gratified? And can this be the end of her troubles? Doubtful; Tulkinghorn is still very much on the prowl ….

Jean, I also loved Mr. Bagnet's two adorable lines in this chapter.

“If my old girl had been here—I’d have told him!”

and

"she is worth her weight in gold, although “I never say so. Discipline must be maintained.”

I also loved the way Mr. Bagnet would say to George (earlier in the chapter) "I'll tell you.." and then have his wife speak her/his mind. They have this routine down pat.

Mr. Bagnet knows he doesn't have the words nor the assertive personality of his wife which is why she is his mouthpiece. She's such a mama bear. I think it's very sweet.

Chapter 34
Once again, we see the evidence of Tulkinghorn’s far-reaching influence and proof of his ability to get his own way. As I noted earlier, Mr. George, in first defying the lawyer had gained a powerful enemy. And those who are allied with Georgr could easily become ‘collateral damage’ when Tulkinghorn attacks. The lawyer now has gotten what he wanted; but what will be the outcome of that?
Smallweed is an ideal agent to serve Tulkinghorn’s needs: he is ruthless and all he cares about is money. He cares not a whit how greatly he is despised by his victims. He will happily do Tulkinghorn’s dirty work for him, no questions asked. I suspect that scenarios of this kind created by Dickens might well have inspired many a modern day crime film or TV drama about crooked politicians, businessmen or lawyers who “keep their hands clean” by seeking out small-time gangsters to handle the seamier side of their endeavors.

EDIT: This is wrong!

Melchisedech is Stulkinghorn here, or, Shylock from The Merchant of Venice. Smallweed says essentially, I'm a reasonable guy but you have to deal with Stulkinghorn now. He isn't so reasonable. He "will have his bond." This is a reference to Shylock's line " I will have his bond." That is, he will have justice.

And now Tulkinghorn undoubtedly plans to get his pound of flesh in another quarter using this letter. I wonder how soon that will happen and if the note just written for George and Mat will be honored.

I just reviewed Jeans question. I didn't notice a Melchisedech in this chapter while listening to the audiobook. Briefly, this name means King of the Righteous/of Salem (or peace/Jerusalem) and is Jesus also. So my take that the name is ironic and refers to Tulkinghorn is all wrong.