Margaret passes a sleepless night, almost writhing in embarassment over the events of the day. She is pale, drained and tired when she rises in the morning. She is still weak and upset when Mr. Thornton is announced. He attempts to thank Margaret for her actions the day before but, horribly embarassed by the gossip, worried that her parents will find out what happened, and offended that her actions have been misinterpreted, she coldly tells him that she would have done the same for anyone. Thornton is hurt by her icy words and demeanor and responds by expressing his love for her in a rather angry and forceful way. Not too surprisingly, the scene ends in angry words and refusal.
Mrs. Hale's health is also failing, and though she has accepted the fact that she is dying, she cannot accept the idea that she will not see her beloved son again. One day she gives way, sobbing hysterically to Margaret that she cannot bear it. To calm her, Margaret promises to write to Frederick in Spain and ask him to come back to England. She does so, and mails the letter immediately before she can change her mind. Later Margaret confesses what she's done to her father, who is glad for her mother's sake but also very worried. If Frederick comes home and anyone finds out, he will be arrested and tried for mutiny.
The strike has made it impossible for Mr. Thornton's mill to meet its deadlines; the untrained Irish hands are slow and much of their work must be redone. Even with the strikers back to work, the orders are unfinished. Added to this, Fanny has gotten engaged and is spending money hand over fist on wedding preparations. Despite these troubles and despite his disappointment and anger with Margaret, Mr. Thornton continues to find and buy fresh fruit for Mrs. Hale, knowing how very ill she is. He also tells the doctor to let him know if there's anything else which Mrs. Hale needs and can't afford. Mrs. Hale is extremely grateful for the fruit, praisinf Thornton to her daughter, which makes Margaret feel very awkward. Her own troubles are driven from her mind, however, when Mary Higgins- Bessie's sister- arrives at the door in tears with the news that Bessie has died.