Nell Trent is well cared for by her kind and gentle grandfather at his London curiosity shop. She, in turn, looks after him, cooking meals and keeping him company with her angelic smile and loving nature, vowing never to leave him. All is well, or so it seems. But unknown to 13-year-old Nell, Grandfather Trent has a dark and dangerous obsession: gambling.

Nell and her Grandfather leave the Curiosity Shop, preferring to live as beggars rather than endure the the mockery of its new owner, the loathsome Mr Quilp.

The Single Gentleman has found lodgings at the abode of Sampson Brass and Quilp regards Dick Swiveller as a potential ally.

Quilp leaves London in pursuit of Little Nell and her grandfather, having left Swiveller with instructions to report on the movements of the Single Gentleman.

Fleeing Quilp, Nell and her grandfather have had to leave Mrs Jarley's waxwork show.

A kindly schoolmaster offers to take Nell and her Grandfather to a village where they will be safe. Still pursuing them, Quilp has been sent in the wrong direction by the furnaceman.

Quilp returns to London under the misapprehension that the old man and Nell are also on the way back. Nell's health is causing concern. Quilp tells Brass that Kit must be discredited in some way.

Kit has been framed by Quilp and thrown into jail. His plight is brought to the attention of Mr Witherden by Swiveller. The Single Gentleman has finally tracked down Nell and her grandfather.