Chapter 46 Summary

David is passing the Steerforth house on his way home when the maid comes out to ask him to come inside and speak to Miss Dartle. He meets with Miss Dartle and Littimer. Littimer relates the story of what he had been doing with Steerforth and Emily. They had gone to Europe and traveled to many countries where Emily had had easily adapted to life and had been received warmly. They had been happy for some time until Emily became depressed with regret about her family. In Italy, Steerforth left her with Littimer, telling her that he was finished with her and that she should marry Littimer. Emily refused and ran away. Steerforth and Littimer fought over what to do about it and eventually ended their relationship with each other.

David goes to find Mr. Peggotty and tell him the new information. During...