David and his aunt have a long discussion that goes well into the night. Their topics include the happy letters the emigrants write, Mr. Micawber’s diligent remittance payments in small increments, Janet’s return to Dover and her offer to again work for David’s aunt only to marry a thriving tavern-keeper, Mr. Dick occupying himself with copy work, and David’s plan to visit Agnes and her father Mr. Wickfield in Canterbury.
On this last topic, David can’t help himself but ask his aunt whether Agnes has a lover. David’s aunt replies that while David was away, there was a score of men from which Agnes could have chosen one to marry. However, when David asks whether there is one such man to whom Agnes is partial, David’s aunt replies that on that subtopic she could not say. Subsequently, asserting that he is practically Agnes’ brother, David supposes that Agnes would confide in David about her lover if she has a lover.
Early next morning, David sets out for Canterbury. When he arrives at the old house from where he had commuted to school, he is let in by the new maid. While waiting for Agnes, David notices how the house has returned to its previous condition, its condition previous to Uriah Heep’s influence. Presently, David looks out of the house window out of which he was wont to speculate the coming and goings of local townsfolk all those many years ago when Agnes appears.
Agnes is so happy to see David that she nearly faints. David helps her to a chair and they talk. To David’s query about her general state, Agnes replies that all is well; she cites her father’s return to health. Then addressing Agnes as sister, David wonders if there is anything else Agnes would like to share. Agnes hesitates, regains her composure, and speaks of her work with children, which is going well.
David goes for a walk and learns that his old rival, the butcher, has been promoted to a constable. When he returns, David partakes of dinner with Mr. Wickfield and Agnes. David learns that Mr. Wickfield daily visits a garden which he tends for his health. Mr. Wickfield then tells David about Agnes’ mother who had married him—Mr. Wickfield—against her father’s wishes. As a result, Agnes’ mother’s father had renounced Agnes’ mother, causing Agnes’ mother to be in a perpetual state of distress. She had died when Agnes was but two weeks old.
After dinner, Agnes wonders if David has plans of traveling again. When David asks if that is Agnes’ advice and Agnes replies no, David assures Agnes then that he will do Agnes advises and stay home. Then when Agnes refers to David’s growing reputation as a writer, David attributes his success to Agnes. Indeed, the spiritual affinity that they share is such that David asserts, without even having been told, he knew of Agnes’ story with regard her mother.