Original text in italics.

No one ever knew why Mr. Lennox did not keep to his appointment on the following day. Mr. Thornton came true to his time; and, after keeping him waiting for nearly an hour, Margaret came in looking very white and anxious.

She began hurriedly:

'I am so sorry Mr. Lennox is not here,—he could have done it so much better than I can. He is my adviser in this'—

'I am sorry that I came, if it troubles you. Shall I go to Mr. Lennox's chambers and try and find him?'

'No, thank you. I wanted to tell you, how grieved I was to find that I am to lose you as a tenant. But, Mr. Lennox says, things are sure to brighten'—

'Mr. Lennox knows little about it,' said Mr. Thornton quietly. 'Happy and fortunate in all a man cares for, he does not understand what it is to find oneself no longer young—yet thrown back to the starting-point which requires the hopeful energy of youth—to feel one half of life gone, and nothing done—nothing remaining of wasted opportunity, but the bitter recollection that it has been. Miss Hale, I would rather not hear Mr. Lennox's opinion of my affairs. Those who are happy and successful themselves are too apt to make light of the misfortunes of others.'

'You are unjust,' said Margaret, gently. 'Mr. Lennox has only spoken of the great probability which he believes there to be of your redeeming—your more than redeeming what you have lost—don't speak till I have ended—pray don't!' And collecting herself once more, she went on rapidly turning over some law papers, and statements of accounts in a trembling hurried manner. 'Oh! here it is! and—he drew me out a proposal—I wish he was here to explain it—showing that if you would take some money of mine, eighteen thousand and fifty-seven pounds, lying just at this moment unused in the bank, and bringing me in only two and a half per cent.—you could pay me much better interest, and might go on working Marlborough Mills.' Her voice had cleared itself and become more steady. Mr. Thornton did not speak, and she went on looking for some paper on which were written down the proposals for security; for she was most anxious to have it all looked upon in the light of a mere business arrangement, in which the principal advantage would be on her side.

'Here it is!' Margaret exclaimed, finally finding the paper she was seeking and handing it to Mr. Thornton. He took the papers from her hand. It took quite an effort to concentrate and read their contents – but Mr. Thornton felt pride in his own success at conquering his whims and doing what he willed instead of what he wished.

'What do you think?' Margaret asked, finally, after long minutes of watching his gaze at the papers. 'Are these terms acceptable? Oh I wish Mr. Lennox was here...' In truth she was becoming more agitated the longer he kept silent while looking over the offer with a frown. This seemed such a good idea yesterday, when she discussed it with Henry.

He looked up from the papers. 'It is – That is to say I accept'. He outstretched his hand.

'I will do my best' he said when she shook it.

Margaret smiled at him. 'I know you would' she thought, but did not say.

After this an awkward silence ensued between the two. Both wanted to say something more, but as the business part of their meeting concluded, were unsure how to proceed.

Finally Margaret asked 'Are these papers enough? Is there a need for something more?', hoping that indeed something was missing to warrant another meeting. Mr. Thornton understood her question to suggest the conclusion of their meeting and so answered abruptly 'These are quite enough. Good day, Miss Hale', turned and left the room.

The long train ride to Milton that afternoon allowed Mr. Thornton the opportunity to reflect once again on the events of the last three days.

When he had arrived in London, he did not imagine meeting Margaret at all. He was reconciled to his new placement in life, wished nothing but finishing the necessary preparations and hoped he would get lucky and find someone agreeable who would take him on as a manager.

But then Mr. Lennox has asked him to dinner. He gladly accepted, of course. But happy as his heart was from only the sight of her, he did not allow his composure to waver. He knew her sentiments towards himself. And now, in his diminished position, what hope was there for him? So he busied himself in the discussion with Mr. Colthrust instead and while he did enjoy the conversation, it did not escape him how intimate Margaret seemed to be with Mr. Henry Lennox. He was all she talked of today..

And yet it was her, his Margaret, that had offered him this second chance. As if she was an angel sent from Heaven to save him. He shook his head to stop this ridiculous line of thought. She was not an angel and the money was not a gift to him. A sound investment suggested by her close adviser Mr. Henry Lennox, she called it. Mr. Lennox, whom she clearly relied heavily on.

Nevertheless this business proposition meant he could re-open Marlborough Mills, and for that he was truly grateful.