
pass from the personal to the general, »by the deep stamp which anxiety will
make for a time even on the young and vigorous. I am naturally very strong; yet
I have been thoroughly shaken lately by an accumulation of trouble.«
    »I presume that a constitution in the susceptible state in which mine at
present is, would be especially liable to fall a victim to cholera, if it
visited our district. And since its appearance near London, we may well besiege
the Mercy-seat for our protection,« said Mr. Bulstrode, not intending to evade
Lydgate's allusion, but really preoccupied with alarms about himself.
    »You have at all events taken your share in using good practical precautions
for the town, and that is the best mode of asking for protection,« said Lydgate,
with a strong distaste for the broken metaphor and bad logic of the banker's
religion, somewhat increased by the apparent deafness of his sympathy. But his
mind had taken up its long-prepared movement towards getting help, and was not
yet arrested. He added, »The town has done well in the way of cleansing, and
finding appliances; and I think that if the cholera should come, even our
enemies will admit that the arrangements in the Hospital are a public good.«
    »Truly,« said Mr. Bulstrode, with some coldness. »With regard to what you
say, Mr. Lydgate, about the relaxation of my mental labour, I have for some time
been entertaining a purpose to that effect - a purpose of a very decided
character. I contemplate at least a temporary withdrawal from the management of
much business, whether benevolent or commercial. Also I think of changing my
residence for a time: probably I shall close or let The Shrubs, and take some
place near the coast - under advice, of course, as to salubrity. That would be a
measure which you would recommend?«
    »Oh yes,« said Lydgate, falling backward in his chair, with ill-repressed
impatience under the banker's pale earnest eyes and intense preoccupation with
himself.
    »I have for some time felt that I should open this subject with you in
relation to our Hospital,« continued Bulstrode. »Under the circumstances I have
indicated, of course I must cease to have any personal share in the management,
and it is contrary to my views of responsibility to continue a large application
of means to an institution which I cannot watch over and to some extent
regulate. I shall therefore, in case of my ultimate decision to leave
Middlemarch, consider that I
