Finding a body in the Thames is a common enough occurrence in Victorian London. But a corpse that carries a claim to a fortune naturally excites the curiosity of fashionable society...

Gaffer Hexam has been drowned in the Thames and, as a result, Lizzie has had to move from her riverside home. Mortimer Lightwood has an early appointment with Mr Boffin.

Mr Boffin has given a home to Bella and employed Rokesmith as his secretary. Charley Hexam resents the attention his sister is receiving from Eugene Wrayburn.

Affronted by Wrayburn's insolence, Headstone has visited Lizzie a second time and his strange manner has disturbed her. Bella has clearly shown that she is not interested in Rokesmith's friendship.

Lizzie has rejected Headstone's marriage proposal. Frightened by his reaction, she has fled into hiding. Determined to prove Bella's worth, John Kokesmith continues to hide his true identity....

Boffin's sudden miserliness has alerted Bella to the evils of wealth and she has had a change of heart towards Rokesmith. Meanwhile Silas Wegg is plotting the ' Golden Dustman's ' downfall.