Pip finds that people’s attitudes towards him in his home town have changed now that he has lost his fortune. He goes to Satis house and discovers it is to be auctioned off.
When he returns to the Blue Boar Inn, he finds Mr. Pumblechook. Pumblechook pities his change of fortune. Irritated at the man’s questions, Pip tells him he has no reason to care what Pip does. Pumblechook points out that he is his uncle by marriage. He spent time with Pip when he was a boy. He still credits himself as the founder of his fortunes.
Pumblechook wants Pip to tell Joe that he bears him no malice. He is familiar with Joe’s stubbornness and ignorance, just as he is familiar with Pip’s ingratitude. It was Pip’s ingratitude that caused his change of fortunes. Pip realizes that some of the coolness he is sensing from the townspeople towards him is due to Pumblechook talking about him.
Pip goes to see Biddy and Joe. Biddy is mistress of a schoolhouse, but she is not there. When he goes to the forge, he doesn’t see the fire or hear Joe at work. However, Joe and Biddy are home—and both are dressed up. Biddy embraces Pip and tells him it is their wedding day.
Pip is glad he never told Joe that he wanted to marry Biddy. Pip gives his congratulations and apologizes for his past behavior. He tells them he is going abroad and hopes to one day repay them for the debt they paid on his behalf. Joe and Biddy forgive him.
Pip sells his belongings and makes arrangements with his creditors. He goes to join Herbert in Cairo and becomes a clerk at Clarricker and Company. He is in charge of the company when Herbert returns to England to marry Clara after the death of her father.
Eventually, Pip becomes a partner. He lives with Herbert and Clara. He lives frugally and pays his debts. He keeps in contact with Biddy and Joe.
Herbert eventually finds out Pip’s part in getting him the job at Clarriker’s from Clarriker himself. When he makes Pip a partner, he feels Herbert should know the truth.
Though they are not wealthy, they are comfortable. Herbert is not inept as Pip thought he would be.