The peaceful lives of Little Nell Trent and her beloved grandfather are harried by the odious, misshapen moneylender Daniel Quilp, who plans to marry Nell when she is older.

Quilp marks out the good-natured but easily led Dick Swiveller as an ally. Kit meets the Garlands.

Quilp returns to London under the misapprehension that the old man and Nell are also on the way back. Nell's health is causing concern. Quilp tells Brass that Kit must be discredited in some way.

Kit has been framed by Quilp and thrown into jail. His plight is brought to the attention of Mr Witherden by Swiveller. The Single Gentleman finally tracks down Nell and her grandfather.