Pip’s outlook is brighter the next morning, though he fears his prospects will change before the week is over. Joe and Biddy only refer to his leaving when he mentions it. Pip feels liberated when Joe burns his indentures. He feels superior to everyone and pities the drudgery of their lives that only death will relieve them from. He thinks of his association with the convict in the past and avoids the shame of it by remembering it was a long time ago, and the convict was probably dead by now.
He wonders if Miss Havisham is grooming him for Estella. He falls asleep out in the marshes. When he awakes, he finds Joe smoking his pipe besides him. Pip assures Joe he won’t forget him. He is rather annoyed by Joe’s lack of emotion. He tells Joe he always wanted to be a gentleman. He expresses regret that Joe hadn’t made much progress in his lessons. Joe admits he is dull and only good at his trade.
Pip wants to help Joe once he is in control of his property. He is sorry, though, that Joe wouldn’t have the proper manners for his rise in station. He asks Biddy’s help in improving Joe’s manners. Biddy tells Pip that Joe is proud, and he would not be willing to be taken out of a station where he knows he is well suited. Pip accuses her of being envious. Biddy promises to fulfill her present duties and to keep a good opinion of Pip irregardless of how he feels about her. However, she tells him he shouldn’t be so unjust, particularly when he becomes a gentleman. Pip is upset, and his spirits remained dampened for the rest of the day.
The next day, Pip is once again in good spirits and reconciles with Biddy. He goes to the tailor. Pip tells Mr. Trabb that he has come into property and needs new clothes befitting his new circumstances. Mr. Trabb’s attitude changes with this news, and he becomes deferential to Pip. He asks Pip to refer people to him. Pip goes to the other tradesmen to get what he needs, and their attitudes change as abruptly as the tailor’s had.
Mr. Pumblechook has been looking for him after hearing the news. He is pleased that he is probably responsible for it happening by introducing Pip to Miss Havisham. Pip warns him they aren’t to mention that. They dine and drink. Pumblechook gets drunk.
Pumblechook reminisces about them being closer than they were in Pip’s childhood, but Pip’s attitude towards him has thawed. Pumblechook is pleased that Pip wants his clothes sent to him, and he is glad Pip doesn’t want to show them off to other people—for it makes the privilege greater. He asks Pip’s advice on a business matter. Pumblechook tells Pip he always thought he’d amount to something.
Several days later, Pip dresses in his clothes and visits Miss Havisham. He is a little disappointed in the clothing. Sarah Pocket is flabbergasted by the change in his appearance. Pip tells her he wants to say goodbye to Miss Havisham.
Pip tells Miss Havisham he has come into a fortune, he is leaving for London tomorrow, and he is very grateful for this opportunity. Miss Havisham heard the news from Mr. Jaggers already. She is enjoying the obvious jealousy of Sarah Pocket. She tells Pip to follow faithfully the instructions of Mr. Jaggers. Miss Havisham also remarks that he will always be called Pip.
Pip shows Joe and Biddy his new clothes. He wants to walk to the coach alone because he doesn’t want to be seen with Joe. He is particularly glad of this when Joe and Biddy do the custom of throwing old shoes behind him. Part of Pip is tempted to return and spend another night at home, but he doesn’t.