Summary Chapter 18

As David nears 17 years of age, he recalls his transition from childhood to youth. He recalls his boyhood crush on Miss Shepherd who is a boarder at Mrs. Nettinghalls’ establishment. Having made her acquaintance at a dancing-school, David regales her with gifts; he steals a kiss from her in a cloak room. Alas, David becomes privy to the rumor that Miss Shepherd is actually partial to a boy named Jones. One day, David notices Miss Shepherd out walking with her schoolmates. Miss Shepherd slights David and the courtship is over.

David recalls a young butcher in Canterbury who goes out of his way to challenge any and every boy who attends Doctor Strong’s school to a fight. David accepts the challenge. When all is said and done, David recalls very little of the fight. He is bruised and battered; he has lost the fight.

One day, Adams, who was the head-boy when David first entered the school, pays a Doctor Strong a visit. Adams will be a lawyer shortly but fails to impress David.

Meanwhile, Agnes has grown-up, and David, who is now the school’s head-boy, has fallen in love again, this time with Miss Larkins, the oldest daughter of Mr. Larkins. Consequently, David goes out of his way to run into Mr. Larkins to wish him well and to ask about his daughters. Indeed, David is so infatuated, he imagines sacrificing his life to save Miss Larkins and a precious possession of hers in a fire. On a lighter note, David imagines marrying Miss Larkins with Mr. Larkins’ blessings.

Then one day, David attends a ball where he manages to engage Miss Larkins to dance the waltz with him, to dismay of Captain Bailey, or so David thinks. Miss Larkins introduces David to Mr. Chestle. A friend of the family, she says. Alas, a few days hence, David learns through Agnes that Miss Larkins is getting married to Mr. Chestle. Disillusioned, David doesn’t bother to spruce himself up as he is wont. He challenges the butcher to another fight and he wins.