Little Lord Fauntleroy · Chapters
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Chapter companions for Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
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Chapter 1
I
Cedric Errol, a young boy living in New York with his widowed mother, learns of his father's death and the family's estrangement from his grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt. After his father's passing, Cedric and his mother live a quiet, modest life. One day, a lawyer, Mr. Havisham, arrives to inform them that Cedric has inherited the title of Lord Fauntleroy, making him the heir to the earldom.
Chapter 2
II
Cedric learns that he is the heir to an earldom and will become Lord Fauntleroy. He struggles with the news, worries about leaving his friend Mr. Hobbs, and discusses the situation with his mother. The lawyer Mr. Havisham arrives to arrange the move to England, and the Earl's harsh terms are revealed, though Mrs. Errol agrees for her son's sake. Cedric begins to see the positive side of his new position after helping a poor woman.
Chapter 3
III
Cedric, now aware of his new status as Lord Fauntleroy, uses his newfound wealth and influence to help those he cares about before leaving for England. He visits Dick the bootblack, buying him out of his partnership with Jake and setting him up with a new business, and also generously provides for the apple-woman. He gives Mr. Hobbs a gold watch as a parting gift. The chapter ends with an emotional departure as Cedric, his mother, and Mr. Havisham board the steamer, and Dick arrives just in time to give Cedric a red silk handkerchief as a farewell gift.
Chapter 4
IV
During the voyage, Cedric learns that his mother will not live with him at the castle. Mrs. Errol gently reassures him that she will be nearby. Mr. Havisham reports to the Earl about Cedric, describing him as a fine lad. Mrs. Errol declines the Earl's offered income, not wanting to feel she is selling her son. The Earl reacts angrily but is secretly curious about his grandson.
Chapter 5
V
Cedric meets the Earl of Dorincourt for the first time. The Earl, initially expecting a boorish child, is surprised by Cedric's grace, fearlessness, and friendly confidence. Cedric explains how he used the money given to him by the Earl to help Bridget, the apple-woman, and Dick, and shows the Earl the red silk handkerchief Dick gave him as a keepsake. The Earl begins to feel novel emotions of pleasure and curiosity toward his grandson.
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