With the exception of one event, David's return and stay at Salem House proves to be uneventful. The one event occurs on his birthday as David is summoned to the parlor. David thinks it's a victuals-filled hamper from Peggotty only to behold Mr. Creakle sitting at table and having breakfast and Mrs. Creakle holding an open letter. Mrs. Creakle asks David to take a seat on the sofa. By and by, she tells David of devastating news: David's mother has died. Mrs. Creakle kindly consoles David who weeps all day.
The next night, David sets off for home to attend the funeral. At Yarmouth, David expects to meet Mr. Barkis, but a little old man in black, a Mr. Omer, informs David that it is he-Mr. Omer-who will take David home. Presently, Mr. Omer takes David to a shop called OMER, DRAPER, TAILOR,
