Book 3: Chapter 8 Summary

Mr. Tulliver is ready to come downstairs at last. Mr. Wakem offers to let him run the mill and continue to live in the house. The Dodsons, of course, feel that this is the best course. Mr. Tulliver could continue to provide for his family, and they would not need to put themselves out to help them. They feel no need to be concerned for Tulliver's humiliation.

The house has only the very basic furniture now that everything has been sold, so Mr. Tulliver is shocked when he comes downstairs; but finding that he is bankrupt is an even greater shock. Tom tells him that he will work and pay everyone back. Bessy tells him that Wakem owns everything but that he has offered him the opportunity to run the mill for a wage and the privilege of continuing to live...