“It seemed to the poor child as if Mrs. Mason’s words were irrevocable,
and, that being so, she was shut out from every house. She saw how
much she had done that was deserving of blame, now when it was too
late to undo it. She knew with what severity and taunts Mrs. Mason had
often treated her for involuntary failings, of which she had been quite
unconscious; and now she had really done wrong, and shrank with terror
from the consequences. Her eyes were so blinded by the fast-falling
tears, she did not see (nor had she seen would she have been able to
interpret) the change in Mr. Bellingham’s countenance, as he stood
silently watching her. He was silent so long, that even in her sorrow she
began to wonder that he did not speak, and to wish to hear his soothing
words once more” (Ch. 4, Pg. 50)

Mrs. Mason stating that she’s no longer allowed in her house or near her at all for fear of being associated with Ruth plays directly into Ruth’s fears and shame of herself, and her vulnerability is profoundly highlighted here, along with Mr. Bellingham’s not fully caring about her situation by only partially listening.

How much does she actually like Mr. Bellingham as a person, versus how much does she more so like the idea of Mr. Bellingham as an entity, with the general caring and protection he provides. Does Mr. Bellingham actually care about her at all?