Ruth

Miss Hannah Mole

Ruth is the Corders' eldest daughter, and Miss Mole becomes a confidante and supportive figure to the sensitive, unhappy young woman.

Ethel Corder

Ethel and Ruth are sisters with a strained relationship, marked by Ethel's jealousy and Ruth's quiet resentment.

Robert Corder

Robert Corder is Ruth's father, but he is cold and critical toward her, contributing to her unhappiness.

Father

Father and Ruth share a quiet, affectionate bond, as he is one of the few people who shows her genuine warmth.

Miss Hannah Mole

Ruth is the Corders' eldest daughter, and Miss Mole becomes a confidante and supportive figure to the sensitive, unhappy young woman.

Miss Hannah Mole

Ruth is the Corders' eldest daughter, and Miss Mole becomes a confidante and supportive figure to the sensitive, unhappy young woman.

Ethel Corder

Ethel and Ruth are sisters with a strained relationship, marked by Ethel's jealousy and Ruth's quiet resentment.

Ethel Corder

Ethel and Ruth are sisters with a strained relationship, marked by Ethel's jealousy and Ruth's quiet resentment.

Father

Father and Ruth share a quiet, affectionate bond, as he is one of the few people who shows her genuine warmth.

Robert Corder

Robert Corder is Ruth's father, but he is cold and critical toward her, contributing to her unhappiness.

Father

Father and Ruth share a quiet, affectionate bond, as he is one of the few people who shows her genuine warmth.

Robert Corder

Robert Corder is Ruth's father, but he is cold and critical toward her, contributing to her unhappiness.

IV

Mentioned as Mr. Corder's younger daughter still at school, noted for having a hole in her stocking.

VII

The thin, reluctant girl who answers the door and lights the gas in Hannah's room. She shows interest in the bottled ship and later at supper coolly hints that Wilfrid avoided Hannah's first evening, angering Ethel.

VIII

Ruth is hostile toward Hannah, embarrassed by her father's monologue, and protective of the Corder clan. She admires Wilfrid secretly but argues with him openly.

IX

Frightened by a nightmare, seeks comfort from Hannah; shows insight into Ethel's behavior; begins to trust Hannah.

The Underground Struggles

Ruth is shy and cautious, taking her malt drink docilely. She shares a private chuckle with Hannah about the mattress swap, showing her complicity.

XI

Mentioned as needing a night-light due to fears; Hannah advocates for her well-being.

XII

Ruth confesses her fear of Mr. Samson and her longing for connection, revealing her vulnerability.

XIII

Ruth is in a state of rebellion against imperfection in her life, idealizing a different home and father. She feels guilt after failing to acknowledge Miss Mole in public, but finds relief in Miss Mole's understanding response.

XIV

Admires Hannah's elegance and leisure, engages in conversation about truth and fiction, and shares dreams of travel. She feels uneasy when Hannah seems tired and unhappy.

Chapter XV

Frightened and distressed, she complains of being left alone and is comforted by Hannah, who offers to let her sleep in her room.

XVI

Ruth is mentioned as being upstairs in the 'dovecot', and Hannah remembers her affectionate words, reinforcing her decision to stay.

XIX

Ruth appears happier and less quarrelsome with Ethel, thanks in part to Uncle Jim's influence. Hannah is making a party frock for her as a surprise.

Chapter XX

Ruth shows concern for Hannah's tiredness and mentions Wilfrid's kindness after the concert.

XXII

Speaks warmly of Miss Mole's kindness and defends Mr. Samson, reflecting Miss Mole's positive influence on her.

XXIII

Looks with shining eyes at Uncle Jim; excited about the silk and the Spenser-Smith party; urges Hannah to come see the silks.

XXIV

Mentioned as benefiting from Hannah's influence; Uncle Jim notes she is less jumpy and looks happier.

XXVI

Participates in a conspiracy with Howard to protect Ethel; expresses affection for Hannah and concern about Ethel's actions.

XXVII

She feels relief that Miss Mole knows everything and recalls the dark years before her arrival. She worries Howard might reveal he is not going to be a minister at the party.

XXVIII

Earnestly takes part in a competition at the party.

XXIX

Tired and leaning contentedly against her uncle, she is contrasted with Ethel's turmoil.

The Escape of Howard Corder

Confronted with the shocking event of Howard's disappearance; is horrified and trembling.

XXXI

Expresses relief at her father's gentleness, questions Hannah about her past and cousin Hilda, decides to go to South Africa to be with Howard.

XXXII

Cynically treasures good moments, reads in the saddlebag armchair, and notices Hannah's mood.

XXXIII

Observes the tension and reveals Mr. Pilgrim's visit and his interest in Hannah's cousin; shows a fiercely individual attitude and curiosity about Hannah's secrets.

XXXIV

Nervous and unhappy, recounts the day's events including Ethel's quarrel and the gossip at chapel.

XXXVII

Watches Hannah's unusual activity with suspicion; questions her motives; goes on a walk with Hannah to the docks.

XXXVIII

Defends Hannah fiercely against Ethel's accusations; shows loyalty but also childish impulsiveness.

XXXIX

Enjoys an excursion with Wilfrid to the pantomime; unaware of the household tensions; receives Hannah's ship model as a parting gift.

XL

Ruth is mentioned as someone Hannah worries about and feels she must return to, but Hannah hopes Ruth will be rescued by Uncle Jim.