Shortly after David's mother's funeral, Miss Murdstone gives Peggotty, who is being dismissed, a month's notice. David anticipates constantly being berated by the Murdstones, but instead he finds himself left to his own devices. As the day of Peggotty's departure nears, Peggotty proposes that David accompany her to Yarmouth and stay there as a guest. When Peggotty poses the proposal to Miss Murdstone, Miss Murdstone, citing her brother's need for peace, which David is accused of disturbing, begrudgingly gives her consent.
Thus when Peggotty's term of service expires, she and David depart for Yarmouth. Peggotty is quite sad at leaving the house that had been her home as long as she could remember. However, on account of Mr. Barkis, who is driving David and Peggotty to Yarmouth, Peggotty's
