Joe dresses in his Sunday best suit to make himself presentable to Miss Havisham. Pip thinks he looks better in his working clothes, which are more comfortable, but realizes that Joe is doing this for his sake.
Mrs. Joe decides to go to Uncle Pumblechook’s while they visit Miss Havisham. She dresses in and carries all her finery. Joe fears that this means she will be in a particularly bad temper later.
Joe and Pip go to Miss Havisham’s after a brief stop at Pumblechook’s. Joe answers Miss Havisham’s questions by talking to Pip, unnerved by his surroundings and the elite company. He confirms he is the husband of Pip’s sister, that he reared Pip, and plans to make him his apprentice. She asks if Pip likes the trade, and Joe claims it was Pip’s wish to become his apprentice from the time he was young.
Miss Havisham asks for his indentures. Pip is embarrassed when Joe hands them to him instead of Miss Havisham, particularly as Estella looks like she is going to laugh. Miss Havisham asks if he expected no premium for Pip, and Joe answers no. She gives him twenty-five guineas, saying Pip earned it with her. She hands the bag to Pip to give to Joe. Miss Havisham dismisses them, telling Pip he needn’t return. She tells Joe that Pip has been a good boy and that is his reward. Nothing more will she give him.
Joe tactfully handles his wife when they return, telling her Miss Havisham sent her regards and regrets her health was too poor to receive Mrs. Joe also. He tells her they received twenty-five guineas. Pumblechook congratulates Mrs. Joe, then says that Pip needs to be bound as Joe’s apprentice.
They get this done, and then Mrs. Joe suggests they celebrate by going to the Blue Boar. She invites the Hubbles and Mr. Wopsle. Pip finds the evening excruciating, particularly since he just wants to sleep.
Pip realizes he doesn’t like Joe’s trade anymore.