1-158-826 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Scene from Scenes of Clerical Life by George Eliot, 1883. This series of three tales included 'The Sad Fortunes of the Rev. Amos Barton', a poor tactless underpaid curate, who gains the sympathy of his parishioners by the death from overwork, child-bearing and poverty of his beautiful wife, Milly. Amos kneels by Milly's deathbed as she bids him farewell with a final caress. From Scenes of Clerical Life by George Eliot, (London, 1883). First published 1857.