Middlemarch, Chapter 26 summary

What happens

1. Fred falls ill after his trips to Houndsley, but Wrench judges his condition minor and gives medicines that do not help.
2. At Rosamond’s suggestion, Mrs. Vincy calls in Lydgate, who identifies typhoid fever and orders immediate nursing and treatment.
3. Lydgate tries to include Wrench, while both parents blame their established doctor and insist on Lydgate’s continued care.
4. Wrench attends a joint visit, resents the family’s accusations and Lydgate’s position, and then withdraws from the case.
5. Middlemarch debates the change, and Mrs. Taft spreads an unfounded claim that Lydgate is Bulstrode’s son.
6. Mr. Farebrother corrects the claim, but his mother preserves her suspicion of Bulstrode.

In this chapter

What to notice

The sentence explains why public enthusiasm troubles Lydgate. Praise can create unreasonable expectations and intensify hostility among other doctors.

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