Martin eagerly starts work on the grammar school plans the next morning, impressing Pinch. Montague Tigg bursts in, full of compliments. He tells them that he is the agent for Chevy Slyme. Martin asks what Slyme wants with him, but Tigg says he is actually here to see Mr. Pinch. He tells Pinch he has come for the letter from Pecksniff. He claims Pecksniff said he would leave the letter with Mr. Pinch. Pinch denies that a letter was left with him. Tigg said it was actually money. Pinch becomes frightened, saying he was never given any money.
Tigg says that Pecksniff had agreed to settle Mr. Slyme’s bill. Pinch apologizes for the situation, but says since Mr. Pecksniff never left him such instructions, he cannot authorize it. He suggests that Tigg give the money to his friend. Tigg claims both he and Slyme have been detained, and neither can pay the bill.
Tigg asks if he can open a window. He asks if they see the gentleman waiting outside. Pinch recognizes it as Mark. Pinch calls to Mark and asks what the matter is. Mark says the two gentlemen have ran up a bill. They claimed Mr. Pecksniff would settle it. However, he was skeptical—particularly since he knew Pecksniff was out of town. Martin asks how much the bill is and learns it is three pounds. He calls Pinch aside.
Martin doesn’t want Slyme coming around, knowing his reputation. Though neither he nor Pinch has the money, he suggests they go down and promise the landlady she will be paid. Pinch agrees and tells Tigg.
The men go down to the Dragon. Mrs. Lupin releases the two gentlemen. Tigg insists on introducing them to Slyme. Slyme laments his miserable condition in depending on two strangers—two architect’s assistants—to pay his bill. Mr. Slyme claims he hates men that do him favors, for he is an independent person from a rich family. Tigg praises Slyme to Pinch, who notices that Martin has already went downstairs. He is about to follow when Tigg asks for a moment.
Tigg says he is worried that Pinch has not seen him in a positive light. He would have been more impressed if he had seen him as a soldier in Africa. Tigg asks if he thinks well of Slyme. Pinch says not at the moment. Tigg isn’t surprised. He asks for three half crowns, acting embarrassed. Pinch shows that he only has a half sovereign, but he gives it to Tigg. Tigg then asks if he can write to Pinch at Pecksniff’s address, which Pinch confirms. Tigg says he’ll pay him back no later than Saturday.
Mark remarks to Martin and Pinch that waiting on Slyme and Tigg would be better than gravedigging. Pinch says he should be better staying at the Dragon, but Mark says he has already informed Mrs. Lupin he is leaving. He plans to leave tomorrow. He is going to London. He hasn’t found a job yet, but he hopes to go into private service with a terrible family. He says farewell to Pinch.
Mark avoids Mrs. Lupin during work hours, knowing she is sad. He sees her afterwards. She asks him why he is determined to leave if he is fond of the place. He doesn’t answer. She puts money into his hand and positions herself close to him so he can see her endowments. She asks him what he would take. He grabs her and says he would take her. She says she is shocked and wouldn’t have thought him capable. Mark says it never occurred to him until now, but he isn’t going to make love to her. She asks him to say what he has to say. He tells her she is a kind woman. However, if they married—what would be the consequences? He is a roving fellow. He likes change. He wants to be jolly where it is miserable. She would always feel insecure that he wants to leave. Wouldn’t it be better if he leaves, and they part as friends? Mrs. Lupin tells him he is a good man, and a better friend than she has ever had in her life. He tells her that there will be many suitable husbands for her. She tells him to always remember her.
He goes to bed sad. The next morning everyone comes to see him off. He remembers every person’s place in his life and is happy for the experience.