David grows up, falls in love several times, finishes school and has difficulty deciding what he should do with himself now that he is an adult. Eventually, Betsey Trotwood decides he should go visit Peggotty. He visits the Wickmans and the Strongs before taking leave for London.
He encounters Steerforth when leaving London and is persuaded to visit Mrs. Steerforth. There he also encounters Miss Dartle, a viscious, jealous woman. He convinces Steerforth to accompany him to Yarmouth to visit Peggotty and Mr. Peggotty. Mr. Barkis has taken ill with rheumatism. As they enter unannounced into Mr. Peggoty's boathouse, they interrupt a celebration, which we come to find is the engagement of lil Em'ly to Ham. Steerforth makes friendly and wins over all, but on taking leave of the house, he lets forth that he doesn't think Ham is worthy of Emily. Emily is shy around Ham in their company. On taking leave of Yarmouth, Steerforth lets it be known that he has purchased a boat, and re-christianed it "Lil Em'ly." As David sees no wrong in anything he does, he is pleased with the gesture of Steerforths to Mr. Pegotty.
