Many people laugh when Mr. Sparkler is given a post at the Circumlocution Office. However, it wasn't doubted that Lord Decimus was strengthening his position by merging with the Merdles.
Mrs. Merdle spreads the news with pleasure. Whether her son liked it remained to be seen. Mr. Gowan thinks it is a great position for Mr. Sparkler.
Fanny is at a loss of whether to encourage Mr. Sparkler or to get rid of him.
The Dorrit family, Fanny believes, is deficient despite its wealth. It can't totally erase the Marshalsea stain. She fears Mrs. General has designs to become Mrs. Dorrit.
Fanny contemplates that marrying Mr. Sparkler will be good for the family's reputation and good for her. Amy tells her that she should marry for love. Her sister claims there is an absence of clever men that she
