Oliver Twist Chapter 23

In which we are introduced to a frosty winter's evening that brings together Mrs Corney and Mr Bumble for a discourse on the hardships and ironies of pauper relief, while the chill outside contrasts with their somewhat tender and awkward domestic scene. The chapter closes with the abrupt interruption of a deathbed summons, leaving Mr Bumble to contemplate the quiet solemnity of his surroundings with an unusual, if brief, air of introspection.