Chapter 23 Summary

David and Steerforth leave Yarmouth. Miss Betsey has written to suggest that David become a proctor, based on the advice of her own lawyer. Steerforth agrees that this would be a noble profession for David. They return to London where Miss Betsey has arrived to help settle David's new career. She proposes to apprentice him as a proctor to Mr. Spenlow. The cost of the apprenticeship is quite high and David worries about the financial burden on his aunt. She reassures him that it is not a problem.

On the way to the proctor's office in Doctor's Commons, a man they see on the street disturbs Miss Betsey. She goes off to privately meet with this stranger. When she returns, most of the money she had in her purse is gone and she is very agitated. David is reminded of the story that...