Nicholas rails about Boucher's weakness- during and after the strike- and how it harmed their cause. During their previous discussion, Nicholas described how reluctant workers like Boucher were forced into the union: they were shunned and ill-treated by the other workers until they couldn't stand it any longer. Repelled by this, Margaret had accused the union of being every bit as tyrannical as the masters they were fighting against. Margaret recalls this, asking why they bothered to force Boucher into the union when he was obviously no asset to it. Nicholas is uncomfortable with the topic, yet not angry as he would have been before, and makes as much of an explanation as he can. It is, he says, necessary for the union to force people into it for their own good. Since the union can take care of a man's interests collectively better than he could himself, this justifies using harsh methods to compel the unwilling to join. Margaret points out that forcing Boucher into the union against his will has made him into the pathetic wretch he has become.
Over the next few days, attempting to aid the hapless widow and her children provides distraction for Margaret. Her mind can't help turning to Mr. Thornton however, especially when Mr. Hale wonders audibly why he hasn't come by for a lesson lately. Margaret is torn between dread of seeing him again and a desire to get it over with.
At first, Margaret welcomes Mrs. Thornton's visit with some gratitude, but this is short lived as Mrs. Thornton proceeds to eviscerate her behaviour, motives, and character. Margaret is well aware that she has done wrong- though not in the way Mrs. Thornton assumes- but her pride will not allow her to sit meekly while she is verbally abused. She refuses to give Mrs. Thornton any explanation for her actions and they part angrily.