Mr. Pancks rushes to see Arthur Clennam. Mr Merdle's letter was made public at the inquest.
Arthur Clennam is ignoring his work, full of despair. Mr. Pancks laments how he had encouraged Clennam to invest in Merdle enterprises. Clennam agonizes how he has ruined his partner Mr. Doyce. Mr. Pancks encourages him to say vile things to him (to Pancks), for he deserves it. It is his fault, he admits, for telling Clennam that the investment was sound. He ruined Arthur. Clennam admits it would have been better for both of them if they hadn't invested in Merdle enterprises. He remarks how he had just planned to sell his shares when everything went bust. Pancks has heard the same story from everyone who was ruined.
Clennam plans to make as many amends as he can. He plans to resign from his post.
