Chapter 9, Mr. and Mrs. Boffin in Consultation; Chapter 10, A Marriage Contract; Chapter 11, Podsnappery; and Chapter 12, The Sweat of an Honest Man's Brow Summary

Mr. Noddy Boffin returns home to his wife, Henrietta. They talk about how they are going to spend the money and become members of society. They want to do something for an orphan or someone less fortunate. They also eventually settle on helping Bella Wilfer, since they believe that she should come live with them so they can somehow ease her loss. First, they make arrangements to adopt a boy, which they plan to name John Harmon. They go to the Wilfer's home to present this plan, and Bella agrees. As they are leaving, Boffin asks after their lodger, John Rokesmith...