Charles Dickens: Our Mutual Friend
Read by David Timson
Timson’s voices for the kaleidoscope of characters, from the dolls’ dressmaker to the false friends of the moneyed Veneerings, are the best of the best...Unabridged Dickens as gloriously presented... — The Observer More…
- Release Date: 30th Apr 2007
- Catalogue No: NAX44212
- Label: Naxos AudioBooks
- Series: Classic Fiction, Complete Classics
- Length: 36 hours 30 minutes
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Charles Dickens: Our Mutual Friend
BOOK 1 THE CUP AND THE LIP: Chapter 1: On The Look Out
It was not until now that the upper half …
Chapter 2: The Man from Somewhere
But now a fearful circumstance occurs …
The great looking-glass above the sideboard …
Now my dear Mrs Veneering,' quoth Lady Tippins …
Mortimer proceeds. 'We must now return …
Chapter 3: Another Man
The wheels rolled on, and rolled down by the Monument …
As he opened the door, in pursuance of a nod from Lightwood …
Mr Inspector had not moved, and had given no order …
She placed her hands in one another on his shoulder …
The case was made interesting to the public …
Chapter 4: The R. Wilfer Family
Mrs Wilfer was, of course, a tall woman and an angular …
Here, Miss Lavinia, from her kneeling situation …
The young lady's lamentations were checked at this point …
This as a neat and happy turn to give the subject …
Chapter 5: Boffin's Bower
Mr Wegg was an observant person …
The wooden Wegg looked at him with a meditative eye …
Hem! Flattered, sir, I am sure,' said Wegg
Left alone at his stall as the other ambled off …
It was the queerest of rooms, fitted and furnished …
Mrs Boffin's Fashion, as a less inexorable deity …
Commodius!' gasped Mr Boffin …
Chapter 6: Cut Adrift
Miss Potterson, sole proprietor and manager …
Gaffer was not there, but a pretty strong muster …
But Miss Potterson, as a ready schoolmistress …
The room was quiet, and the lamp burnt on the table.
The white face of the winter day came sluggishly on …
Chapter 7: Mr Wegg Looks After Himself
When he deems Mr Venus's wheels sufficiently lubricated …
Oh dear me, dear me!' sighs Mr Venus, heavily …
Silas receives one from his hand …
Chapter 8: Mr Boffin In Consultation
Mr Lightwood explained that he came from the proctor's …
The last time me and Mrs Boffin saw …'
Your lawyer, Mr Boffin,' returned Lightwood …
But, the worthy Mr Boffin jogged away with a comfortless …
Not very well knowing how to get rid of this applicant …
Chapter 9: Mr and Mrs Boffin In Consultation
These two ignorant and unpolished people …
With a ready patient face and manner …
It appeared, on their drawing up at the family gate …
Finding it rather difficult to pursue the conversation …
However, Bella compensating for all drawbacks by responding …
Chapter 10: A Marriage Contract
We now come,' says Veneering, 'to the point, the real point …'
Betimes next morning, that horrible old Lady Tippins …
Ceremony performed, register signed …
All over, that is to say, for the time being.
She bursts into tears, declaring herself the wretchedest …
Chapter 11: Podsnappery
So it came to pass that Mr and Mrs Podsnap …
I was inquiring,' said Mr Podsnap …
And now the haunch of mutton vapour-bath …
While these solemnities were in progress …
In the meantime a stray personage of a meek demeanor …
Simultaneously with this quenching …
Chapter 12: The Sweat of An Honest Man's Brow
As Lightwood laughed and passed the wine …
It had grown darker as they talked …
Now,' said Lightwood, 'What's your name?'
Lawyer Lightwood, take care, you, what I say …'
But he hadn't,' said Eugene, drawing …
They said little else as they followed …
Chapter 13: Tracking The Bird Of Prey
Two taps were now heard on the outside of the window …
Thereupon he stirred the fire, and sat down …
As the time so passed, this slinking business …
Chapter 14: The Bird Of Prey Brought Down
Some half hour of this work, and Riderhood unshipped …
Now see,' said Mr Inspector, after mature deliberation …
We could, and we did.
Chapter 15: Two New Servants
Well! Now, Noddy!' cried Mrs Boffin …
A gloomy house the Bower, with sordid signs on it …
The man of low cunning had, of course, acquired a mastery …
Thank'ee, Wegg, both for your confidence in me …'
Much surprised, Mr Boffin went up stairs …
Chapter 16: Minders and Re-minders
Mr Boffin dismissed the matter with a nod or two …
It was then perceived to be a small home …
A surprising spirit in this lonely woman after so many years …
Now, greatly to the relief of the visitors …
This piece of business thus put in train …
As he watched her with another covert look …
Chapter 17 A Dismal Swamp
These are the corporate beggars …
BOOK 2 BIRDS OF A FEATHER: Chapter 1: Of An Education Character
Bradley Headstone, in his decent black coat …
Miss Peecher's favourite pupil, who assisted her …
The boy knocked at a door, and the door promptly opened …
It was difficult to guess the age of this strange creature …
As his uneasy figure went on before them …
The master and the pupil walked on, rapidly and silently.
Chapter 2: Still Educational
I have nothing to report, Lizzie,' said Eugene …
There was an appearance of openness, trustfulness …
By degrees, as she progressed in this remembrance …
I wish you had been taken up, and locked up …'
Chapter 3: A Piece Of Work
Meanwhile Twemlow, in an increasing hurry …
Mrs Veneering, during the same eventful hours …
In these inspiring moments, Brewer strikes out an idea …
Then, dinner is had at the Hotel with the legal gentleman …
Chapter 4: Cupid Prompted
I am sure,' said Miss Podsnap, 'Mr Lammle is like a lover …'
How delightful those interchanges, and the looks …
Young Fledgeby was none of these.
More prompting was necessary. Cupid must be brought up …
Content perforce with this success for the time …
Chapter 5: Mercury Prompting
Now, look here, Lammle,' said Fascination Fledgeby …
The respected Mr Lammle was a bully …
It was a public holiday, and Fledgeby did not recover …
You won't say more, I see,' said Fledgeby, looking at him …
Lizzie Hexam and Jenny Wren.
Chapter 6: A Riddle Without An Answer
Eugene,' said Mortimer, disregarding the light interruption …
He had not reckoned on their seeking his name …
A pause ensued, in which the schoolmaster looked very awkward.
It was a stab that the blood followed …
Chapter 7: In Which A Friendly Move Is Originated
As Mr Venus is irritable …
And yet, sir,' he continues …
The palm of Silas Wegg descends with a sounding smack …
The articles of the friendly move are then severally recited …
Chapter 8: In Which An Innocent Elopement Occurs
You never charge me, Miss Wilfer,' said the Secretary …
The family room looked very small and very mean …
Here Bella, deriving no comfort from her charming bonnet …
As she was uninformed respecting the exact locality …
While they were going along to take boat …
I suppose my dear,' said Pa after dinner …
Chapter 9: In Which The Orphan Makes His Will
Punctual to the time appeared the carriage …
At the Children's Hospital, the gallant steed …
Chapter 10: A Successor
Rokesmith departed on that errand …
The consideration of Mrs Boffin had clothed Mr Sloppy …
Chapter 11: Some Affairs Of the Heart
The discreet Mary Anne resumed her seat …
Here's a perfectly disinterested person, Lizzie dear,' …
Lizzie Hexam had changed colour when those changes came …
It being Lizzie's regular occupation when they were alone …
Chapter 12: More Birds Of Prey
Taking notice of Pleasant Riderhood at the door …
I'll tell you why I ask,' pursued the visitor …
At first Riderhood had sat …
Well? Have you finished?' asked the strange man.
Captain! Mentioning them unfort'net words of mine …'
Chapter 13: A Solo And A Duet
On board serving as third mate was George Radfoot.'
Now I pass to sick and deranged impressions …'
Now, is it all thought out? All to this time?'
Arriving at the house, he found that Mr and Mrs Boffin were out.
You take advantage of a hasty word of mine,' said Bella …
Chapter 14: Strong Of Purpose
The Secretary pursued his way, not very much elevated in spirits …
The Secretary felt that there was no gainsaying what was urged …
The Secretary stated to the schoolmaster …
All these proceedings occupied John Rokesmith so much …
Chapter 15: The Whole Case So Far
I said,' he began, 'when I saw you last …'
You know what I am going to say. I love you.'
A worse threat than was conveyed in his manner …
Some touch of compunction smote the boy's hardening heart …
They were in the act of emerging into the main thoroughfare …
Chapter 16: An Anniversary Occasion
Mr Lammle, all a-glitter, produces his friend Fledgeby …
The reference,' proceeds Mortimer, 'which I suppose to be …'
Then Lammle. Too much of him every way …
In the drawing-room, groups form as usual.
BOOK 3 A LONG LANE: Chapter 1: Lodgers In Queer Street
The old man shook his head, gently repudiating the imputation …
The old man, who had never raised his eyes …
They shook hands and Lammle strode out pondering …
With one hand across his breast and the other on the easy chair …
Chapter 2: A Respected Friend In A New Aspect
Thus conversing, and having crossed Westminster Bridge …
We take the liberty of coming, my young companion and I …'
Miss Abbey had twice made the experiment of shutting her eyes …
Chapter 3: The Same Respected Friend In More Aspects Than One
Poor Pleasant, fortified with a sip of brandy …
Presently they all return, and wait for him …
Chapter 4: A Happy Return of the Day
Now Ma,' said Bella, reappearing in the kitchen …
However, she persisted in dishing the dinner as well as cooking.
Your grandpapa,' retorted Mrs Wilfer, with an awful look …
The rosy hours were thus beguiled until it was time …
Number three, Pa, is a better thing.'
Chapter 5: The Golden Dustman Falls Into Bad Company
The Secretary rose, gathered up his papers and withdrew.
She had begun by this time to be his frequent companion …
Mrs Lammle took the friendliest interest …
On one point connected with the watch she kept on Mr Boffin …
The miser?'
Chapter 6: The Golden Dustman Fall Into Worse Companys
At that moment wheels were heard.
This, sir,' replied Silas, adjusting his spectacles …
Mr Venus, who since his introduction to the French gentleman …
Releasing each other, they crept to the door …
Mr Boffin came down leisurely …
Chapter 7: The Friendly Moe Takes Up A Strong Position
There your expressive countenance speaks indeed!'
With still reluctant hands, and not without several glances …
On this head, Silas Wegg had much to say.
Ah, dear me, dear me!' exclaimed Wegg with a sigh …
Chapter 8: The End Of A Long Journey
So with the humbler houses in the liittle street …
She caught up her basket as she spoke …
The morning found her afoot again, but fast declining …
The darkness gone, and a face bending down.
Chapter 9: Somebody Becomes the Subject Of A Prediction
While this discourse was interchanging …
I shall be happy, Mr Rokesmith,' returned Bella …
So they walked, speaking of the newly filled-up grave …
The wayward, playful, affectionate nature …
The question was so directly at variance with Bella's views …
So the interview terminated with pleasant words …
Chapter 10: Scouts Out
Lightwood was at home when he got to the Chambers …
Lightwood was shaking his head over the air with which …
Making a dignified attempt to gather himself …
Then soberly and plainly, Mortimer, I goad the schoolmaster …'
Chapter 11: In the Dark
As Bradley passed out at the gate with an undecided foot …
They had walked along the Strand, and into Pall Mall …
Bradley could have hidden a reserved piece of information …
Chapter 12: Meaning Mischief
But seeing that she was turning something in her mind …
It was barely settled when a manly form was seen to pass …
Chapter 13: Give A Dog A Bad Name, And Hang Him
Miss Wren with a fallen countenance sat behind the door …
The chivalrous Twemlow, Knight of the Simple Heart …
With these words, which had the effect of causing …
Chapter 14: Mr Wegg Prepares A Grindstone For Mr Boffin's Nose
The remark seemed rather to abash Mr Venus.
The Golden Dustman seemed about to pursue these questions …
There was a grin upon the ghastly countenance …
Now, I wonder,' he meditated as he went along …
Chapter 15: The Golden Dustman At His Worst
Here Mrs Boffin broke out a-crying.
I have borne,' said the Secretary, in a low voice …
Ask me anything you wish to ask,' returned Rokesmith …
After despatching this second bolt …
After which strong avowal Bella underwent reaction …
Chapter 16: The Feast Of The Three Hobgoblins
To inflict a heavy disappointment on this sweet nature …
It was, as Bella gaily said, like the supper …
Miss Lavvy came out to open the gate …
The cherub not presuming to address so tremendous an object …
Lavinia's engineering having made this crooked opening …
Chapter 17: A Social Chorus
Mr Twemlow's little rooms are modestly furnished …
Was Mr Fledgeby's advocacy as effectual …'
But, six o'clock in the evening …
Eugene, leaning back in his chair, is observing Mr Podsnap …
BOOK 4 A TURNING: Chapter 1: Setting Traps
The bargeman turned back. Approaching nearer …
Riderhood looked fixedly at him …
Lock ho! Lock!' it was a light night …
He went into the pelting rain again …
Chapter 2: The Golden Dustman Rises A Little
Several white dints began to come and go …
Mr Lammle rose with an impudent laugh …
Mr Boffin took her down, and saw her driven away …
Chapter 3: The Golden Dustman Sinks Again
Mr Boffin, entering the usual chamber …
Mr Venus's mouth screwed itself up …
At length the document was restored to its place …
Chapter 4: A Runaway Match
Behold Bella tripping along the streets …
A modest little cottage but a bright and a fresh …
With his own hands he afterwards put on the dessert …
Chapter 5: Concerning The Mendicant's Bride
Mrs Wilfer's baleful stare at the young gentleman …
Mr Sampson murmured that this was the sort of thing …
Within a feww weeks afterwards, the Mendicant's bride …
The newly-married pair left early …
For a City man, John certainly did appear to care …
While he took his supper, Bella sat by him …
I am ready for Thirdly,' said John, 'whatever it is.'
Chapter 6: A Cry For Help
Turning again at the water lilies, he saw her coming …
He would have been base indeed to have stood untouched …
The purity with which in these words she expressed …
Eugene Wrayburn went the opposite way …
She merely kept the boat before the stream now …
Chapter 7: Better To Be Abel Than Cain
The formality of spreading a tablecloth …
He was a better follower than Bradley.
The school reopened next day.
Bradley sat looking steadily before him at the vacant air.
Chapter 8: A Few Grains Of Pepper
The quaint little chin met Mr Fledgeby's gaze …
For the terrors undergone by Mr Dolls that evening …
With a gleam of neww intelligence in her sharp face …
Now the door's shut,' said Mr Fledgeby, sitting up …
Chapter 9: Two Places Vacated
My idea is getting so immense now,' cried Miss Wren …
Now, the bad child having been strictly charged by his parent …
Thither he was brought; the window becoming from within …
After that previous carrying of him in the streets …
Chapter 10: The Doll's Dressmaker Discovers A Word
Mortimer.' 'My dear Eugene.'
One afternoon when he had been lying still …
Chapter 11: Effect Is Given To The Doll's Dressmaker's Discovery
They started directly, in a little carriage …
The reference was to a young man of reserved appearance …
Then the train rattled among the house-tops …
The sun was rising, and his first rays struck into the room …
Chapter 12: The Passing Shadow
When they had dined and were alone, John Rokesmith said …
Mr Inspector, in a dark-blue buttoned-up frock coat …
They alighted at last at the counter of a court …
Mr Job Potterson,' Mr Inspector continued …
When John came home to dinner next day …
Chapter 13: Showing How The Golden Dustman Helped To Scatter Dust
By a master-stroke of secret arrangement …
Bella caught Mr Boffin's twinkling eye for half an instant …
Bella, who was still on her knees at Mr Boffin's feet …
Chapter 14: Checkmate To The Friendly Move
Mr Wegg, glancing in great dudgeon …
It was a very bad night to which succeeded a very bad morning.
You are a fool,' said Wegg, with a snap of his fingers …
Now, scoundrel,' he pursued, 'I am going to finish.'
Chapter 15: What Was Caught In The Traps That Were Set
One winter day when a slight fall of snow …
Oh! It's in the way of school!' cried Riderhood.
The light was the joint product of a fire and a candle.
Bradley looked at the fire, with a working face …
Not until the late daylight made the window transparent …
Chapter 19: Persons And Things In General
The stately lady, Mrs Wilfer, perceiving her opportunity …
This visit was, as has been said, a grand event.
But the greatest event of all, in the new life of Mr and Mrs John Harmon
Chapter 17: The Voice Of Society
Now, I am Chairwoman of Committees!' cries Lady Tippins
The fair enslaver having fallen into one of her gentle sleeps …
