Middlemarch

Having heard Fred’s story, Mr. Vincy goes straight to the bank to speak with Bulstrode. People in Middlemarch distrust Bulstrode, some because he is a “Pharisee” and some because he is an “Evangelical.” Others are suspicious of him because only 25 years ago no one had heard the name Bulstrode in Middlemarch. He is currently with Lydgate in his office at the bank, discussing the New Hospital. Lydgate hopes that having a good fever hospital in Middlemarch could pave the way for a medical school attached to it, which would serve as a model for other, similar schools all over England.

Lydgate has a charismatic speaking voice, and Bulstrode is moved. He agrees to help finance Lydgate’s ambitions. He warns Lydgate that the other doctors in Middlemarch will be inclined to dislike him due to his support for medical reform. Lydgate promises that he will enjoy fighting for what he believes. Bulstrode admits that the quality of doctors in Middlemarch is very poor, and that his experience being treated by city doctors has convinced him that the medical field in provincial areas is severely deficient.

Bulstrode explains that the old infirmary lies in the parish of Mr. Farebrother, but that he wants someone named Mr. Tyke to be appointed chaplain of the New Hospital. Lydgate says that as a doctor he has no opinion on this, but Bulstrode urges that when the matter is discussed at the meeting of the medical board, Lydgate should not let himself be persuaded by Bulstrode’s “opponents.” When Lydgate simply replies that he hopes there will be no disagreement, Bulstrode begins to explain that his interest in hospitals is about more than just curing people of illness.

Just as Lydgate disagrees, Mr. Vincy enters. Lydgate leaves, and Vincy immediately brings up Fred, saying that someone has been spreading rumors about him. Vincy goes on to say that people are obviously jealous because Featherstone intends to leave most of his land to Fred. Bulstrode immediately chastises Vincy for spoiling his children, which has given Fred “extravagant idle habits.” Vincy decides to take this in his stride, saying that he may have made mistakes but it’s too late to change them now.

Vincy explains that someone has been saying Fred has been borrowing money, a story that is clearly “nonsense,” but that Featherstone wants a note from Bulstrode denying it. However, Bulstrode replies that Fred has been borrowing money and that he therefore doesn’t see why he should write the letter. Vincy loses his temper and reminds Bulstrode that the fate of their two families hangs together. If the Vincys go down, the Bulstrodes will go down with them. He curses Bulstrode’s desire “to play bishop and banker everywhere,” saying that this will turn people against him.

Bulstrode requests that they not fight, for the sake of Mrs. Bulstrode, Vincy’s sister. Vincy agrees, saying that considering they are brothers-in-law they should “stick together.” As Vincy goes to leave, Bulstrode tells him that he will think about it, discuss the matter with Mrs. Bulstrode, and “probably” write the letter.