A letter comes to Pip from Biddy announcing that Joe will be in town and would like to visit. Disturbed by the thought of being seen with Joe and his "commonness," Pip isn't looking forward to the visit. Aspiring to the habits of a gentleman, Pip has been decorating the shabby room at Barnard's Inn, and there is even an occasional servant-boy, known as Pepper (or the Avenger). The day after the letter arrives, Pip …showed first 75 words of 1199 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1199 total…before they can marry. Apparently, Herbert has made little progress in his search for an "opening" to riches through the counting house. The two friends get on the dismal subject of procuring capital, a subject, however, that is instantly dropped when Pip pulls the old Playbill for Wopsle's play out of his pocket. The two friends promptly blow out the candles and head out to see the big-mouthed marsh man and his interpretation of Hamlet.