Determined to prove himself worthy of his aunt’s good opinion and of Dora’s love, David sets out for Highgate, where Doctor Strong is situated, on the morning David is to consult the Doctor about the prospects of working as the Doctor’s secretary. On his way there, David takes a look at a cottage that is being let out, and he imagines it would be the ideal place for he and Dora to get settled in, with his aunt occupying the upper floor room.
As he is early, out of curiosity, David goes to Steerforth’s neighborhood only to regret that he had upon espying Steerforth’s closed up room and Rosa Dartle pacing the grounds in her usual restless and angry state.
Eventually, David makes his way to Doctor Strong’s cottage where Doctor Strong warmly welcomes him before speculating as to whether David is selling himself short in applying for the secretary position. David argues, however, that the money earned will do wonders for his—David’s—current financial status and assures Doctor Strong that if an opportunity to be more gainfully employed came along, that David would certainly jump at the chance. Satisfied, Doctor Strong proposes David’s working hours, which David agrees to, and tells David that the work, as David has correctly surmised, pertains to the dictionary that Doctor Strong has been working on.
Presently, Mr. Jack Maldon, Doctor’s Strong’s wife’s cousin, who has worked, and very poorly at that, as Doctor Strong’s secretary on the dictionary since his return from India, arrives and indifferently greets David. David senses that Mr. Maldon is indifferent to and complacent of any and everything except his cousin Annie whom he invites to an opera which is to be held tonight. Doctor Strong thinks that that’s a good idea and insists that Annie attend although Annie objects, stating her preference to pay Agnes a visit. The next morning David finds out that Annie had prevailed, that she had not gone to the opera, and that she had instead paid Agnes a visit, accompanied by Doctor Strong.
As his new duties as Doctor Strong’s secretary keeps him exceedingly busy, David manages to keep in touch with Dora via Miss Mills who acts as their personal letter carrier. Still, David feels that he can do more, and wondering if Traddles could help, he goes to visit his old friend, with Mr. Dick in tow. As it turns out, Traddles not only has a tip on how David might be able to earn extra income (as a reporter who summarizes the proceedings of Parliamentary debates), but he offers Mr. Dick, who is in a state of depression about HIS inability to contribute financially, the job of copying legal documents for a small wage. Needless to say, his new employment and small wage that it garners, does wonders for Mr. Dick’s spirits.
Presently, Traddles hands David a letter wherein David learns that Mr. Micawber has found employment. The letter also invites David and Traddles to the Micawber’s residence to celebrate this auspicious turn of events. Thus, David and Traddles repair themselves to Micawbers’ residence where Mr. Micawber contrives to serve punch despite the poverty of the Micawbers’ situation. By and by, Mr. Micawber discloses the nature of his employment: He is to work as a clerk and a subordinate to Uriah Heep. David is dumbfounded. But as employment is employment, David indulges the Micawbers. To wit, Mrs. Micawber persuades herself and her husband that Mr. Micawber’s lowly status is only a stepping stone to being a Judge or Chancellor, while Mr. Micawber waxes eloquent about his rebirth, i.e. his repudiation of his incognito, Mr. Mortimer, and the reclamation of his real name, Micawber.