One of the most amazing things about Henry is that even after his chastisement of Catherine, he makes the effort to be kind and gentle with her once she has realised her error. She feels that he 'must despise her forever', but the following passage really touched my heart:

'The formidable Henry soon followed her into the room, and the only difference in his behaviour to her was that he paid her rather more attention than usual. Catherine had never wanted comfort more, and he looked as if he was aware of it.'

Because he does not continue to be angry with her, she is able to rationally examine her own conduct and thoughts in a manner which does her good. I love that he never alludes to it again - I think he knows that once awakened, her conscience will lead her exactly right and that further reference to it by him will only give her pain. This is a mark of love and true understanding, in my eyes :-)