Tom waits for days for the return of his sister. He heard from Bob that Maggie had been seen boarding a boat with Stephen Guest. He worries that they’re married or, worse, that she’s not married and disgraced. Maggie approaches the house at Dorlcote Mill, scared to face Tom but eager to address her wrongs. Tom refuses to let her into his home. He accuses her of acting dishonestly, of using Philip to distract Lucy, and of disgracing the family. Mrs. Tulliver packs her things and leaves with Maggie; Tom says his mother is always welcome back and gives her money. Maggie and her mother decide their best option is to try to seek refuge with Bob and his wife.

After a couple of days with Bob’s family, Mrs. Tulliver visits Tom to look after the house. Maggie asks Bob to send for Dr. Kenn, and he informs her that Dr. Kenn’s wife has recently died. Bob struggles to understand what could have happened between Maggie and Stephen and wishes to defend Maggie’s honor. 

The town gossips about Maggie and Stephen. They judge it best for Lucy that Stephen abandoned her, while for Maggie—who appears to have no good prospects—an elopement to Stephen would be a scandalous romance that would eventually blow over.