Our Mutual Friend Book 3, Part 15, Chapter 16 Summary

The Feast of the Three Hobgoblins

  • After storming out of the Boffin house, Bella walks the streets of London. Instead of heading home, she turns toward the counting house where her father works and asks to share lunch with him. Her father is surprised to find her wearing shabby clothes, but she tells him that she has broken with the Boffins and won't be rich after all.
  • Bella sees her father's workplace for the first time and realizes how shabby it is. While they chat about the life that lies ahead, Mr. Rokesmith shows up and takes Bella in his arms.
  • He realizes that she has given up her life of fortune for him, and the two of them decide they'll be together forever. Of course, the two of them turn to Mr. Wilfer first and ask his consent, which he gives.
  • There's going to be a problem with telling Mrs. Wilfer, though, since she's so proud and uptight that she'll lose her mind at the idea of Bella abandoning her fortune to marry an unemployed secretary.
  • Once everything is settled, Mr. Wilfer returns home with Bella to tell Mrs. Wilfer about Bella's break with the Boffins. It doesn't go so well.