The dimensions of Bumble's petty character are unmercifully laid bare, and Mrs. Corney proves herself to be a suitable candidate for his bride. She is in no way offended by the beadle's frank admission that he is attracted by her material charms. The man then promptly flaunts his nauseous hypocrisy by loftily upbraiding Noah and Charlotte for their tête-à-tête when he has just come from his own avaricious wooing.
This chapter concludes the episode of Chapters 23 and 24 and follows them in unbroken time-sequence. After Oliver arrived in London, the place of his origin seemed to sink into the past, seemingly without continued significance. We are later reminded of the boy's backgrounds by Bumble's London journey that went against Oliver's interests. Now, however, attention has been shifting back and forth between the village and the metropolis. The death of Sally in the workhouse has been an item of considerable interest, and it is possible that there will be more developments in the orphan's home parish with future bearing on his fortunes.
