Vanity Fair
Chapter 16: The Letter on the Pincushion
by William Makepeace Thackeray
The Sedley state is auctioned off.
The Sedley state is auctioned off.
The abbot and the monks were eager to bathe. The Yankee finds a telephone office in an abandoned hermit’s cave. He calls Arthur and tells him that he will travel to Camelot. When he arrives, the Yankee is disappointed at the king’s choices for his army. The Yankee goes back to the monks and proves another magician a fraud. The Yankee checks on the progress of the king and makes arrangements for a large welcome.
He sees days slipping from him that were the best for what they were.
Pym and Peters join the crew of the Jane Guy.
The Micawbers and Tommy Traddles attend a dinner at David's apartment. Littimer visits David in search of Steerforth. David advises Tommy in regards to Mr. Micawber's situation.
Carol pays a visit to Guy Pollock's law office. Guy reveals his true feelings for Gopher Prairie.
David admits his feelings for Dora to Miss Betsey, who reacts unexpectedly to the news. David attempts to recoup some money for Miss Betsey. Agnes informs David of her own family's situation.
Monsieur de Saint-Meran fell ill and died. Madame de Saint-Meran visits the house of Villefort to inform them of her husband's death.
Jurgis and Ona finally marry. Ona and Elzbiata are constantly sick, while Antanas develops a cough and open sores from work. The harsh winter in Packingtown intensifies the hardships of the family.
Jack, Mulford, and Rose make plans. Rose is frustrated by her aunt's ignorance. The boat faces danger.
Becky continues to the people of Vanity Fair with her charm, but many question the source of her wealth. Rawdon's debts catch up with him.
"Darling, my darling, my heart is on the wing,"
Introduction by James McCune Smith.
As Quasimoto awaits punishment, two Parisian women and a country woman compare the pillories of Paris and Reims before stopping to see a performance by Esmeralda. The country woman tells the story of Paquette-la-Chanterfleurie and her child. The women pay a tribute to the recluse.
Porcelain and Pink is a short story, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, about the mistaken identity of a woman in the bath-tub.
Phoebe is mesmerized by the story and tells Holgrave that she must return home for a short time. Holgrave tells Phoebe his feelings about Hepzibah and Clifford and that he senses trouble. Phoebe leaves.
Becky's refusal is explained. Sir Pitt's discovery sends him into a rage.
The author discusses the different presentations of wealth in European and American culture, focusing on the concept of "a well furnished apartment".
The "Mender of Roads" tells the story of the Marquis' assassin to Monsieur Defarge.
Mulford makes certain the ladies are safe, but the boat is lost. The group faces thirst and hunger.
Having been orphaned at childbirth, young Oliver is left in the care of Mrs. Mann. Mr. Bumble arrives to take Oliver to slightly more hospitable surroundings. After losing a bet, Oliver makes an unusual request.
The remaining crew considers Parker's suggestion, eventually drawing lots to make the fateful decision.
Mr. Wickfield and Agnes visit the Strongs. David's encounter with Uriah leaves him feeling morally inferior.
The emperor of Lilliput, attended by several of the nobility, comes to see the author in his confinement. The emperor’s person and habit described. Learned men appointed to teach the author their language. He gains favour by his mild disposition. His pockets are searched, and his sword and pistols taken from him.
Pip becomes acquainted with Biddy. Pip is to be sent to the home of Miss Havisham to play.