Who is Edith Barrett from Hell House and what is their importance?

Wife of Lionel Barrett, Edith has seldom been apart from Lionel since their marriage, and can't bear the idea of it now. She'd rather expose herself to Hell House than go without Lionel now. A constant companion to Lionel, she is his strongest supporter, and relies on him totally. She is almost as nervous as Ben is to be entering the house, but Lionel convinces her that with him the experience will be safe.