Chapter 3 Summary

David arrives in Yarmouth to visit Peggotty's family. Various relatives live in a boat that has been converted into a house on dry land. The relatives welcome David kindly and his first impressions of Peggotty's family are very positive. Peggotty's brother, Mr. Peggotty, is a retired sailor who has taken in two orphaned relatives, Emily and Ham, as well as the widowed wife of an old friend, Mrs. Gummidge. David strikes up a friendship with Emily. They wander the seashore together and develop a childhood crush on each other. David has a very pleasant time at the Peggotty home. He regrets having to leave, but looks forward to seeing his mother again.

On arriving home, Peggotty informs him that his mother has married Mr. Murdstone while they were away. David finds his familiar childhood home greatly changed with the addition of Mr. Murdstone...