The police investigation into the attack on Mrs. Joe is a comedy of errors and false accusations. The investigators leave without solving the crime. The only things known for sure are that the candle in the room was blown out and she was hit on the back of the head with a rusted convict's leg iron while she faced the fireplace. Joe and Pip have alibis, and Orlick seems to. She has survived but now requires constant care. Biddy, whose grandmother has died, comes to take care of her and it is Biddy who learns to understand the woman's signals, particularly the letter "T" she keeps writing. Biddy determines it is really a hammer and Mrs. Joe is asking for Orlick, who Mrs. Joe now seems very anxious to please.
Pip has become vain as his self-education progresses. He observes that Biddy is common and not very beautiful, though she is pleasant, wholesome, and sweet-tempered. In his arrogance about his own progress he manages to insult hers; even his attempts to compliment her are patronizing and condescending. He tells her he wants to become a gentleman to win Estella. Biddy tries to point out that given Estella's treatment of him, she may not be worth having. He agrees, but further insults Biddy by telling her that he wonders why he cannot love her instead. She quickly understands where things stand and responds that a relationship between she and Pip would not work. Orlick, who has been following them as they talk, has been making advances to Biddy that she fears and does not want. Pip is jealous and judgmental, and does his best to frustrate Orlick's overtures.
