Esther is entrusted with the running of Bleak House.

Lady Dedlock ceases the case, Esther refuses an offer of marriage and Miss Flite collapses after a court hearing.

Lady Dedlock persuades Jo, a young crossing sweeper, to show her the haunts of the late Captain Hawdon. Richard's intended engagement to Ada perturbs Jarndyce, who considers it hasty, and they argue.

Richard, now married to Ada, continues the legal cause of Jarndyce.