North and South

Comparing her two proposals, Margaret sees one difference in Lennox’s versus Thornton’s. She and Lennox first developed a true friendship, whereas her relationship with Thornton was based on just a few strained meetings: “Their intercourse had been one continued series of opposition” (269). After more contemplation, she realizes Thornton proposed not out of a sense of obligation but from a place of genuine love. She describes their exchange as a haunting nightmare from which she cannot escape. To relieve her anxiety and redirect her mind, Margaret goes to visit Bessy whom she finds in a declining state. Margaret tries to read the Bible to her, but Bessy says she cannot listen because the riot upsets her. Her father was not there, but Bessy heard an account of what transpired. Someone misinformed Bessy that Boucher threw a stone at Fanny. Margaret corrects her without explaining what happened. Bessy explains the union hoped that under Nicholas’ leadership they could avoid violence, but now because of Boucher’s rash actions the situation has escalated. Boucher and Nicholas fought, and Bessy threw herself at her father pleading for him not to turn in Boucher. Now Boucher has disappeared. Bessy falls asleep talking and Margaret leaves knowing she is close to death.