Coverdale is bed-ridden due to illness. He is attended by Hollingsworth during his rantings, forming a friendship between the men. Zenobia visits with gruel, and he tries to discover the secrets of her past.
New characters are introduced, such as Hay Denver and Dr. Walker and his two daughters, all acquainted with Mrs. Westmacott and her nephew. Their relationships are developed through dialogue as they head to the country to get fresh air and exercise.
Newland departs for Florida in spite of a request by Ellen.
Jurgis learns of the "Beef Trust". A harsh winter falls on the city, once again taking a toll on Jurgis and his family. Jurgis misses work after spraining his ankle.
Jurgis becomes a scab, undermining a union strike. Jurgis' financial prosperity ends after he assaults Connor a second time. Jurgis is promptly beaten and arrested for the third time.
Huck learns of the longstanding Grangerford-Shepherdson feud. Huck and Jim continued downstream after witnessing the feuding families in action.
Sara is startled into realizing that she looks like the poor children she had seen in her better days.
Dantes reaches the Island of Tiboulen.
Oliver, delirious and alone, seeks assistance after the failed robbery. Brittles is sent to fetch a doctor as well as the authorities.
Fairlie and Louis provide an account of Fanny's arrival, the Count's visit, and the letter sent to Laura.
Mr. Sapsea asks for Jaspers "opinion as a man of taste".
John Thornton settles his debts and he and Buck head east where they soon find a good fortune, but it does not last. Buck joins a new pack.
Avenant is sent to win over The Fair One with the Golden Locks for the king in his land. He is set to a number of tasks and because of his good nature he is able to complete them. The princess falls in love with Avenant instead of the king, but is only able to marry him after the king’s death.
House expenses continue to trouble Jurgis and his family. Ona, who has become pregnant and given birth to a son, is in poor health after returning to work too soon to recover from child birth.
The author explains the cause of motion.
Aronnax returns to the Nautilus's platform. Captain Nemo discusses the personality of the sea. Aronnax and Conseil continue to witness amazing scenes from the inside of the Nautilus.
The inwardly tortured minister soon becomes Chillingworth’s greatest puzzle. The doctor relentlessly and mercilessly seeks to find the root of his patient’s condition.
Jane goes in to the library to have her fortune read, and after overcoming her skepticism, she finds herself entranced by the old woman’s speech. The gypsy woman seems to know a great deal about Jane and tells her that she is very close to happiness. She also says that she told Blanche Ingram that Rochester was not as wealthy as he seemed, thereby accounting for Blanche’s sullen mood. As the woman reads Jane’s fortune, her voice slowly deepens, and Jane realizes that the gypsy is Rochester in disguise. Jane reproaches Rochester for tricking her and remembers thinking that Grace Poole might have been the gypsy. When Rochester learns that Mr. Mason has arrived, he looks troubled.
George minimizes his involvement in the Good Citizen's League. Although he actively engages in unethical business practices, George hopes to the corruption in Zenith's business community will come to an end. A decision by Ted and Eunice divides the family while creating a sense of solidarity between father and son.
Upon returning, Zeena gives Ethan some unsettling news concerning Mattie.
Mr. Peggotty and David asks Martha for some assistance in finding Little Em'ly. Miss Betsey's past continues to haunt her.
A complaint by Johnson and his subsequent treatment results in an outbreak of violence throughout the ship.
When Gaudfrey Staunton disappears, Cyril Overton asks Holmes to investigate. Dr. Armstrong is suspected.
Thoreau discusses classic literature and its benefits.
The preface to the book.