The Old Curiosity Shop

Nell and her grandfather walk down the city streets, unsure where they are or where they are headed. Nell admires the sunrise and the quiet. As the city wakes up, the presence of more and more strangers and unfamiliar noises nearly overwhelms the grandfather. Nell recalls a copy of Pilgrim’s Progress she kept at home and the comfort that it brought her.

Once outside the city limits, the two rest by a small pond beneath a tree. As they continue their journey into the open countryside, they encounter a few cottages; one lends rooms to travelers, so they stay for the night. In the morning, they continue on until they come upon a farm. The farmer’s son brings them inside for food, and the wife insists they rest—Nell’s grandfather politely refuses any further hospitality, saying it is important they keep going. The wife treats a blister on Nell’s foot, and they set out again. Some hours later, a driver catches up to them, explaining that the farmer’s wife sent him after them to get them safely to the next town. Nell and her grandfather ride in the wagon; Nell falls asleep. When she wakes, the wagon has stopped, and the driver points out the town nearby.