Chapter 27 opens with a letter from Biddy informing Pip that Joe plans to come see him at Barnard’s. Pip is anxious over how Joe will fit into London, and he notes he would have even paid him to stay away. When Joe arrives, he is awkward in Pip’s genteel surroundings, wearing boots too large for him, over-pronouncing words, and insisting on keeping his hat with him. Pip asks about their neighbors in the old town; Biddy and Pip’s sister are the same, but Wopsle has become a sensational actor in the London theatre.

Joe also explains that Miss Havisham wishes to see Pip, then Joe prepares to leave. Though Pip urges him to stay for dinner, Joe tells him that the pair of them don’t belong together in London and that he doesn’t feel “right” for the place.

Pip makes plans to return to his hometown and meet with Miss Havisham the next day. At first, he contemplates staying with Joe, but he quickly makes excuses for staying at the Blue Boar Inn instead.

Stagecoaches are used to carry convicts to the dockyards, and they often ride on the roofs.