North and South, Chapter 26 summary

What happens

1. Distressed by Margaret’s rejection, Mr. Thornton takes an omnibus into the country and walks through the fields.
2. Remembering their encounters strengthens his love, despite his conviction that Margaret cannot return it.
3. He returns to Milton with work awaiting him, including arrangements to protect the Irish workers.
4. Mrs. Thornton anticipates his marriage with jealousy and prepares household linen for the imagined newlyweds.
5. He reveals his rejection, and his mother’s relief at keeping him accompanies fierce anger against Margaret.
6. He defends Margaret, requests silence about her, and turns their conversation to warrants and the strike.

In this chapter

What to notice

Mr. Thornton’s mother’s hostility strengthens rather than weakens his loyalty to Margaret. He treats defending her as a response to injustice.

Quick check