Bulstrode, Mrs. Harriet

The banker's handsome and loyal wife, and Mr. Vincy's sister. "But this imperfectly taught woman, whose phrases and habits were an odd patchwork, had a loyal spirit within her. The man whose prosperity she had shared through nearly half a life, and who had unvaryingly cherished her--now that punishment had befallen him, it was not possible to her in any sense to forsake him. There is a forsaking which still sits at the same board and lies on the same couch with the forsaken soul, withering it the more by unloving proximity. She knew when she locked her door, that she should unlock it ready to go down to her unhappy husband and espouse his sorrow, and say of his guilt, I will mourn and not reproach. But she needed time to gather up her strength; she needed to sob out her farewell to all the gladness and pride of her life." Of a wholesome worldy nature she frankly enjoyes her husband's wealth and position before scandal touches him. When she learns of his unworthiness her loyalty to him never wavers, although she suffers greatly.

<em>Middlemarch</em>

Text