Edith writes to Margaret rambling on and on about how wonderful her life is. She begs Margaret to visit the new baby and bring Maria. Edith is convinced the bad air of Milton has made her ill. She subtly blames Richard as the cause of it all. Margaret wishes she could escape to a life like Edith’s. Margaret is 19 years old but feels much older. Thornton brings another fruit basket but does not acknowledge Margaret. Maria and Margaret discuss bringing in Mary Higgins to help while concealing Frederick’s visit. Maria chides Margaret for adopting colloquial language she finds vulgar when Margaret is only using unfamiliar factory terms. Richard enters the room, but Margaret does not notice Thornton behind him. She is embarrassed he heard her use the term. Thornton is still hurt by her refusal but admits to himself he enjoys being near her.

Mrs. Thornton visits Maria upon her request though only at Thornton’s insistence. Maria asks Mrs. Thornton to be a friend to Margaret once she is gone. Mrs. Thornton says she can be a friend but cannot be like a mother to her. She states she will correct Miss Hale when she is in the wrong and Maria says to call her Margaret.