Charles Dickens: Little Dorrit (unabridged)
Read by Anton Lesser
- Release Date: 29th Sep 2008
- Catalogue No: NAX88912
- Label: Naxos AudioBooks
- Series: Classic Fiction, Complete Classics
- Length: 35 hours 1 minute
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Charles Dickens: Little Dorrit (Unabridged)
BOOK THE FIRST: Poverty Chapter 1: Sun and Shadow
The man who lay on the ledge of the grating was even chilled.
The child put all these things between the bars…
There seemed to be some uncomfortable attraction…
'Be it as it may, Madame Barronneau approved of me.'
He stepped aside to the ledge where the vine leaves yet lay…
Chapter 2: Fellow Travellers
"What's the matter, Mother?" said I…
'I thank you,' said the other…
They were about thirty in company…
'Are you' – she turned her eyes, and Pet faltered…
Now, there were many stairs and passages…
Chapter 3: Home
Mr Arthur Clennam sat in the window of the coffee-house…
He crossed by St Paul's and went down, at a long angle,…
Arthur followed him up the staircase…
The old man, who had been standing by the door…
Arthur opened the long low window, and looked out…
Chapter 4: Mrs Flintwinch has a Dream
Chapter 5: Family Affairs
'You knew my father infinitely better than I ever knew him…'
Thus was she always balancing her bargains…
Little Dorrit let herself out to do needlework.
The room Arthur Clennam's deceased father had occupied…
Chapter 6: The Father of the Marshalsea
The affairs of this debtor were perplexed by a partnership…
The doctor and the debtor ran down-stairs…
By this time, the rings had begun to fall…
The turnkey went off the lock of this world next day.
Chapter 7: The Child of the Marshalsea
In those early days, the turnkey first began profoundly…
The success of this beginning, which led to the dancing-master's…
'Well, my dear,' said the turnkey, 'something ought to be done…'
For the first time in all those years, she sunk under her cares.
Chapter 8: The Lock
She had brought the meat home that she should have eaten herself…
All this time, though he had finished his supper…
She was so tremulous and agitated, and he was so moved…
The two tables put together in a corner, were, at length, converted…
Chapter 9: Little Mother
As these people passed him standing still in the court-yard…
There was no-one there.
'I am sorry to hear you were so inconvenienced last night…'
She had relieved the faithful fullness of her heart…
She was about eight-and-twenty, with large bones…
Chapter 10: Containing the whole Science of Government
Sometimes, angry spirits attacked the Circumlocution Office.
The present Barnacle, holding Mr Clennam's card in his hand…
Mr Barnacle dated from a better time…
Its effect upon young Barnacle was to make him…
This airy young Barnacle was quite entertained by his simplicity…
Clennam wondered within himself, as they took the nearest way…
With this prelude, Mr. Meagles went through the narrative...
Arthur could not but glance at Daniel Doyce in the ensuing silence.
Chapter 11: Let Loose
The landlady, having given her directions…
The guest sat looking at her as he smoked out his final cigarette…
'Cavalletto. This is in confidence.'
Chapter 12: Bleeding Heart Yard
He was at a loss to understand what she meant…
The remark appeared to suggest to Plornish…
'Mr Plornish,' said Arthur, 'I trust to you, if you please…'
Chapter 13: Patriarchal
Philanthropists of both sexes had asked who he was…
'Halloa!' he said.
'I am sure,' giggled Flora, tossing her head…
In the midst of her rapidity, she had found that out…
Mr Casby shook his head…
Mr F.'s Aunt sat silently defying him…
They had crossed Smithfield together…
'It's a serious injury, I suppose?' said Clennam…
Chapter 14: Little Dorrit's Party
Little Dorrit was not ashamed of her poor shoes.
As she made the confession, timidly hesitating…
'Little Dorrit,' said Clennam…
Once, Little Dorrit knocked with a careful hand…
They went back again to the gate…
Chapter 15: Mrs Flintwinch Has Another Dream
On a wintry afternoon at twilight…
'Never mind that,' returned Jeremiah calmly…
Here the sound of the wheeled chair was heard upon the floor…
Chapter 16: Nobody's Weakness
'It is much to be regretted,' said Clennam…
The bell at the gate had scarcely sounded, when Mr Meagles came out…
'But come!' said Mr Meagles. 'You have had a long walk…'
Besides his dumb-waiter, Mr Meagles had two other not dumb waiters…
Chapter 17: Nobody's Rival
'Well, Gowan,' said Mr Meagles, even suppressing a sigh...
The latter part of the day turning out wet…
When he had gone to his own room…
Chapter 18: Little Dorrit's Lover
The Chivery parents were not ignorant of their son's attachment…
The collegians were entertaining a considerable number of visitors…
The poor fellow stood gazing at her…
Young John dolefully protested that he would try to bear it in mind…
Chapter 19: The Father of the Marshalsea in Two or Three Relations
'I think, William,' said the object of his affectionate consideration…
With these words, and with a face expressive of many uneasy doubts…
His supper was cooking in a saucepan on the fire…
To keep his attention engaged, she talked with him…
Chapter 20: Moving in Society
At last they came into a maze of dust…
'And so, Amy,' said her sister…
'Mrs Merdle,' said Fanny. 'My sister, ma'am.'
'Miss Dorrit,' said Mrs Merdle…
They spoke no more all the way back to the lodging…
Chapter 21: Mr Merdle's Complaint
Mr Sparkler having been in the Guards…
When they rose, so many of the magnates had something to say…
Bishop then betook himself up-stairs…
Chapter 22: A Puzzle
Mrs Chivery, who was a comfortable-looking woman…
The crowd in the street jostling the crowd in his mind…
These letters Clennam answered, with the aid of his pencil…
Chapter 23: Machinery in Motion
The purchase was completed within a month.
A diversion was occasioned here by Mr F.'s Aunt…
'Though indeed,' she hurried on…
The Patriarch turning his head in a lumbering way…
'Mr Clennam,' he then began…
'In conclusion, Mr Pancks,' said Arthur…
Chapter 24: Fortune-Telling
'Really so sorry that I should happen to be late…'
Flora, uttering these words in a deep voice, enjoyed herself immensely.
'Find it a little dull, Miss Dorrit?' inquired Pancks…
If Little Dorrit were beyond measure perplexed by this curious conduct…
'Maggy, there was once upon a time a fine King…'
Chapter 25: Conspirators and Others
What Mr Chivery thought of these things…
The ensuing business proceedings were brief, but curious…
Against these obstacles, the lame foreigner with the stick…
Chapter 26: Nobody's State of Mind
By this time they had visited the family on several occasions…
The venerable inhabitants of that venerable pile…
Mr Henry Gowan seemed to have a malicious pleasure…
As she shrugged her shoulders, Clennam stiffly bowed again.
Chapter 27: Five-and-Twenty
Mr Meagles, with a despondent countenance…
'To tell you the truth,' returned Mr Meagles…
'This is odd, Clennam,' said Mr Meagles, softly.
She looked at him for an instant, and then said frowningly…
Chapter 28: Nobody's Disappearance
Minnie was there alone. She had some roses in her hand…
Pet's affectionate heart was overcharged…
Chapter 29: Mrs Flintwinch goes on Dreaming
Slowly and thoughtfully Mrs Clennam's eyes turned…
Mistress Affery, whose fear of thunder and lightning…
Chapter 30: The Word of a Gentleman
Mr Blandois, not at all put out by this omission…
Thus expressing himself, he threw the draggled skirt…
Mr Blandois was Mr Flintwinch's most obedient humble servant.
Mr Flintwinch, finishing his tea, not only took a longer gulp…
Mr Blandois thanked her, and kissed his hand several times.
As he returned him the candle, he looked at him once more…
Chapter 31: Spirit
Mr Dorrit was in the habit of receiving this old man…
Now, it happened that the Father of the Marshalsea…
The Father of the Marshalsea in the meantime…
His patronage did not stop here…
When Little Dorrit had her work on the table…
Chapter 32: More Fortune-Telling
If he had known the sharpness of the pain he caused…
She said this, looking at him with…
'Mr Clennam, Mr. Rugg,' said Pancks.
Chapter 33: Mrs Merdle's Complaint
'But it is true,' said Mrs Gowan, with a highly moral air.
Now, Mrs Merdle, who really knew her friend Society pretty well…
Mr Merdle, so twisting his hands into what hair he had…
Mr Merdle, left alone to meditate on a better conformation of…
Chapter 34: A Shoal of Barnacles
Clennam thought (and as he thought it, again felt ashamed of himself)…
There was Barnacle junior, also from the Circumlocution Office…
It was necessarily but a sprinkling of any class of Barnacles…
Chapter 35: What was behind Mr Pancks on Little Dorrit's Hand
This conversation took place in Clennam's bed-room…
As he kissed her, she turned her head towards his shoulder…
'Compose yourself, sir,' said Clennam…
This was the first intimation he had ever given…
Chapter 36: The Marshalsea becomes an Orphan
He did not in person dine at this public repast…
In the yard, was the man with the shadowy grievance…
BOOK THE SECOND: Riches Chapter 1: Fellow Travellers
While all this noise and hurry were rife among the living…
The elderly lady, who was a model of accurate dressing…
The head of the large retinue, who was gracious but not familiar…
He weightily communicated his opinion to their host…
There was a sorrowfully affectionate and regretful sound…
Chapter 2: Mrs General
Mrs General gravely inclined her head.
Chapter 3: On the Road
'Amy, my child,' said Mr Dorrit…
The entrance of the lady whom he announced…
Her uncle was so far rescued from that shadow of old…
No one had interfered in the dispute…
Sitting opposite her father in the travelling-carriage…
From these cities they would go on again…
Chapter 4: A Letter from Little Dorrit
When I go about here in a gondola…
Chapter 5: Something Wrong Somewhere
'There is no accounting,' said Mrs General, 'for these partialities.'
Mr Dorrit frowned, and looked anything but pleased.
There was a reproach in the touch so addressed to him…
Notwithstanding some objections from Miss Fanny…
Here Edward Dorrit, Esquire, eyed Miss Fanny…
As his hand went up above his head and came down on the table…
Chapter 6: Something Right Somewhere
The features of the surrounding picture were, a church…
Blandois' hand was unsteady; but he laughed…
She lowered the window on her side…
However, as Miss Fanny called out with much concern…
The exquisitely bold and original thought presented itself…
Chapter 7: Mostly Prunes and Prism
Mrs General having long ago formed her own surface…
'You are very good,' said Gowan.
Little Dorrit had sometimes thought…
The bosom received this tribute in its most engaging manner.
Chapter 8: The Dowager Mrs Gowan is Reminded that it Never Does
Daniel Doyce was still reluctant to consent…
He sadly and sorely missed Little Dorrit.
'And may I ask, ma'am,' retorted Mr Meagles…
Poor Mr Meagles looked aghast with astonishment.
Chapter 9: Appearance and Disappearance
On one of his visits Mrs Tickit received him with the words…
At that time the contrast was far greater…
After looking at the surrounding objects for assurance…
With those words and a parting glance, Flora bustled out…
His turning of his smooth thumbs over one another as he sat there…
Chapter 10: The Dreams of Mrs Flintwinch Thicken
He's not at home,' cried Affery.
While heaping these compliments on Mr Flintwinch…
Chapter 11: A Letter from Little Dorrit
It was but yesterday, when I was there, that I saw Mr Meagles…
Chapter 12: In which a Great Patriotic Conference is Holden
Mr Merdle stood in one of his drawing-rooms…
With some of the Chorus, he laughed about the sleepy member…
It was a dinner to provoke an appetite, though he had not had one.
Mr Tite Barnacle's view of the business was of a less airy character.
Bar was a sight wondrous to behold, and full of matter…
Chapter 13: The Progress of an Epidemic
Mrs Plornish's shop-parlour had been decorated under her own eye…
After very anxious scrutiny, he came out of his retreat…
Arthur, with less formality, expressed himself gratified…
A dinner of soup and a pigeon-pie, served on a little round table…
The positive refusal expressed in Mr Pancks's continued snorts…
Chapter 14: Taking Advice
At first, Fanny took this ill, too; protesting to her looking-glass…
'Dear Fanny, let me say first, that I would far rather we worked…'
There was yet another circumstance which went a long way to…
Chapter 15: No Just Cause or Impediment Why These Two Persons Should Not be Joined Together
Mr Dorrit threw in another compliment here…
In his execution of this mission Mr Tinkler perhaps expressed…
The winter passing on towards the spring…
After yielding herself up, in this pattern manner…
If Little Dorrit found herself left a little lonely and a little low…
Chapter 16: Getting On
Mr Dorrit, dressing-gowned and newspapered, was at his breakfast.
Mr Dorrit laughed in the buoyancy of his spirit.
Chapter 17: Missing
'Allow me to ask, madam,' said Mr Dorrit…
A watch was evidently kept upon the place.
Disconcerted by the cold and hard inquiry…
Chapter 18: A Castle in the Air
Mr Dorrit was ashamed. He went back to the window…
His preoccupied face so clearly denoted the pursuit in which…
Chapter 19: The Storming of the Castle in the Air
She paused for an instant in her work to look at him…
All this happened now, for the first time since their accession to wealth.
Mrs General sent up her compliments in good time next day…
On the return of that lady to tea…
'Ladies and gentlemen, God bless you all!'
They remained in a dim room near, until it was almost midnight…
Chapter 20: Introduces the Next
After some pause, a door of communication with…
She took her revenge for her old grudge in thus turning…
He was not going in the same breath…
Chapter 21: The History of a Self-Tormentor
I liked the children. They were timid…
He told me I did not do myself justice.
Other conversation followed…
Chapter 22: Who Passes by this Road so Late?
'And now,' said Daniel, looking at his watch…
In the lull consequent on the departure…
Clennam fell back as if the word had struck him a blow…
Chapter 23: Mistress Affery Makes a Conditional Promise Respecting her Dreams
'You'll be able to take my likeness, the next time you call, Arthur…'
Arthur had no choice but to say that his informant had not…
Having paid the tribute of a sigh to the instability of human…
'Affery, I want to know what is amiss here…'
Chapter 24: The Evening of a Long Day
'My dear,' answered Mr Sparkler…
Mr Sparkler's sentiments as to the plan were, in brief…
When the candles were brought in, Mr. Merdle was discovered…
Chapter 25: The Chief Butler Resigns the Seals of Office
'May I ask,' he said, 'is this true about Merdle?'
Physician's knock astonished Bar…
By about eleven o'clock in the forenoon…
Chapter 26: Reaping the Whirlwind
Mr Pancks brought his friend and professional adviser, Mr Rugg…
To all this Clennam merely replied…
Arthur was sitting with his eyes fixed on the floor…
Chapter 27: The Pupil of the Marshalsea
Arthur looked at him for a moment in some wonder…
Young John was some time absent…
'It seems to me just possible,' said Arthur…
He did what he could to muster a smile…
It has been already stated that Mrs Plornish…
Chapter 28: An Appearance in the Marshalsea
'If I could believe that,' said Clennam, 'it would be a dismal…'
Arthur's thoughts had once more wandered away to Little Dorrit…
Monsieur Rigaud, after frowning at him for a moment, laughed.
'To business,' he then continued.
When he had finished this epistle, Rigaud folded it and…
Stretching his body out on the only three chairs in the room…
Chapter 29: A Plea in the Marshalsea
It was not until he had delighted in them for some time…
As they sat side by side in the shadow of the wall, the shadow fell…
The bell began to ring, warning visitors to depart.
Chapter 30: Closing In
Mr Pancks put his hair erect with a general aspect of confidence…
After gazing at her in silence, Mrs Clennam turned to Rigaud.
'Bah! Stop an instant! Let us advance by steps.'
Mistress Affery, fixedly attentive in the window-seat…
With the set expression of her face all torn away…
Many years had come and gone since she had had the free use…
Rigaud snapped his fingers tauntingly in her face.
Retiring before him with vicious counter-jerks of his own elbows…
'This box can never bring, elsewhere, the price it will bring here!'
Chapter 31: Closed
She stood at the window, bewildered…
She stood in the shadow so that she was only a veiled form…
In the softened light of the window, looking from the scene…
Still, they had not come upon Flintwinch yet…
Chapter 32: Going
'Oh,' said Pancks. 'Anything more?'
Having taken this little liberty with the Patriarchal person…
The Last of the Patriarchs had been so seized by assault…
Chapter 33: Going!
By this time Mr Henry Gowan had made up his mind…
Without hoping that he or anybody else had been pretty well…
The faithful John was on duty when…
The secret was safe now!
Chapter 34: Gone
'I have nothing in the world.'
Flora really had tears in her eyes now…
One morning, as Arthur listened for the light feet…
There was silence, which was not broken…
Little Dorrit's old friend held the inkstand as she signed her name…
