Martin Chuzzlewit

by Charles Dickens

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Chapters 42-44 Summary

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It is a stormy night as Jonas, Tigg, and Bailey take the coach to Salisbury. Montague is unsure of the wisdom of such a journey, but Jonas is insistent. In the coach, Montague falls asleep, only to wake up and see Jonas holding a bottle over him. Though Montague thinks that Jonas is trying to hit him over the head, Jonas simply takes a drink out of it. Because of the storm, the coach overturns, throwing all out of the carriage, except for those who jumped to safety. Jonas unleashes the terrified horses and moves them toward Montague, who is lying in the road, in an effort to have their hooves crush his skull. The driver stops him in time, not perceiving his real intention. They see that Bailey is seriously injured. They manage to make it to Salisbury to get Bailey to a doctor. Montague spends a restless night filled with nightmares. The next morning, Jonas prepares to go to Pecksniff’s to talk him into investing money with the company.

On the night of the storm, Mrs. Lupin sits in the Blue Dragon, feeling lonely. A customer comes in and asks for a drink. He inquires about Mark Tapley, claiming to be a relation. Mrs. Lupin explains that Mark is in America and has not been heard from for months and is feared dead or imprisoned. The stranger reveals himself as Mark and bestows many kisses on Mrs. Lupin. Martin also comes in, and as Mrs. Lupin gives them supper, she tells them that Pecksniff has discharged Tom Pinch and now has Mr. Chuzzlewit living with him. The next morning, Mark goes to Pecksniff’s with a letter from Martin for his grandfather. Pecksniff takes it and tears it up. Mark goes back to the Blue Dragon and returns with Martin, who pushes his way into the parlor where his grandfather is sitting. He explains the trials he has undergone and pleads for peace between them. Mr. Chuzzlewit allows Pecksniff to speak for him. Pecksniff orders Martin out of his house once again. Mr. Chuzzlewit appears to be briefly overcome with emotion, but he allows Pecksniff to lead him away from Martin. Mary is overjoyed to see Martin, but tells him that Pecksniff seems to have control over Mr. Chuzzlewit. Martin swears his love to Mary, but decides there is nothing for him to do but return to London. On the way back to the Blue Dragon, Martin and Mark pass a gentleman who looks familiar to them.

Jonas arrives at Mr. Pecksniff’s and is irritated by his father-in-law’s inquiries about his daughters. He tells Pecksniff that he has a business proposition for him. Pecksniff is immediately intrigued and agrees to meet with Jonas and Tigg at the Blue Dragon. Over dinner, Pecksniff agrees to invest most of his money with the Anglo-Bengalee. As Jonas and Tigg fill out the documents, Jonas is terrified when he accidentally dips his pen in the red ink, crying out that it is blood.

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