Bleak House: Chapter 39 Summary & Analysis

Mr. Vholes occupies a dingy, airless office in Symond’s Inn in Chancery Lane. Mr. Vholes is a “highly respectable” man who supports his aged father and three daughters on his reputable income from his position as a lawyer. The process of law reform has slowed in England because people are reluctant to put men like Mr. Vholes out of work. It is the “Vholes” of this world who support the Chancery system and, also, who feed off it.

Richard is in Mr. Vholes’s office and is distraught because another piece of business with his suit has fallen through. Mr. Vholes quietly assures him that though it may seem slow, work is still being done. Richard throws up his hands impatiently and asks Mr. Vholes how he will get through the vacation with no money. Mr. Vholes turns cool at this and tells Richard that, while Richard spends his time frivolously, he will be working tirelessly for Richard’s interests. In the corner of the room, the office cat watches a mouse hole and waits for its prey to appear.

Richard tries to explain that he does not doubt Mr. Vholes’ integrity, but that it is hard to hold out hope in a long and complicated case like Jarndyce and Jarndyce. Mr. Vholes says that he never encourages his clients to hope and that he has made it clear to Richard that much of the inheritance in the case will be lost. Richard asks how he figures this, and Mr. Vholes insinuates that there are other forces working against Richard. Richard assumes that he refers to Mr. Jarndyce and becomes violently angry at the thought of his guardian. He cannot believe that, once, he would have defended Mr. Jarndyce from any slight.

Mr. Vholes tells Richard that he may rely on him and that he always has Richard’s best interests in mind. He subtly confirms Richard’s view that Mr. Jarndyce has tried to destroy the lawsuit for his own ends. Mr. Vholes is very glad that Mr. Skimpole brought Richard to him as a client so that he can protect Richard in this case. Before Richard leaves, Mr. Vholes reminds him of a fee which is due, and Richard eagerly pays this out.

Richard leaves Mr. Vholes office and wanders in the sunshine outside the court for a short time. Although he is comforted a little by his meeting with the lawyer, he is eaten up with suspense and worry, and it is very soothing to have a tangible enemy in mind in the figure of Mr. Jarndyce. Richard’s clothes are shabby, and his complexion is ruddy and inflamed as he stalks across the courtyard. Mr. Guppy and Mr. Weevle watch him and remark that there may be another case of “combustion” soon. Mr. Guppy says it is Richard’s own fault because he meddled in Jarndyce and Jarndyce.

Mr. Guppy and Mr. Weevle discuss the Smallweed family; they are still in Krook’s shop and seem to be sifting through all the documents that the old man had stashed there. Mr. Guppy suggests nervously that perhaps the letters were not destroyed after all but are somewhere in the shop. Mr. Weevle thinks this is unlikely and regrets his involvement with the whole affair.

The street around Krook’s shop is a hive of gossip and activity and the pub nearby does a roaring trade. Mr. Guppy and Mr. Weevle approach and knock on the shop door. They are admitted and go, squinting, into the shadowy gloom from the bright sunlight outside. Mr. Smallweed is seated at the back of the shop beside a hole in the floor that looks like a grave. Judy digs around inside it and brings up old papers.

Mr. Weevle says that he has come to empty his room. He and Mr. Guppy are shocked to see Mr. Tulkinghorn in the shadows behind Mr. Smallweed, who gives them a wicked grin and introduces the lawyer as his solicitor. Mr. Guppy suggests that there is much “property” in the shop, but Mr. Smallweed says, with a leer, that it is all worthless. Mr. Guppy and Mr. Weevle slink upstairs to Mr. Weevle’s old room.

They find the room cold and gloomy, just as they left it. Mr. Guppy is in the middle of taking down Mr. Weevle’s Great British Beauties collection when Mr. Tulkinghorn appears in the doorway and asks to speak with Mr. Guppy. Mr. Guppy turns red, but Mr. Tulkinghorn suavely explains that he simply wishes to congratulate Mr. Guppy on his recent acquaintance with the Dedlocks. Mr. Guppy defensively replies that his work with any noble person is confidential and the business of Kenge and Carboy’s.

Mr. Tulkinghorn admits that this is quite right and bids them good day. Before he goes, he takes the picture of Lady Dedlock from the wall and admires it. As soon as he is gone, Mr. Guppy begin to pack hastily. He begs Mr. Weevle not to ask any questions and heavily implies that, through his failed romance, he has become entangled with some very powerful and influential enemies, much to Mr. Weevle’s amazement.