Nicholas, after leaving the Hale's home, went directly to speak with Boucher. Higgins was a committee man on this special strike and had to ensure that all workers upheld the law of the land, as laid down by the Union and the committee. He was furious at the men who had possibly betrayed all of their fellow strikers and undone untold hard work and planning by their unthinking and foolish actions. Nicholas was ready to threaten to turn the lot of them into the police – assuming, of course, that Mr. Thornton was not already preparing to do so, seeing as he was magistrate. The committee needed to show the world that Boucher and his lot were not the leaders of the strike and the real leaders were steady thoughtful men; good hands, and good citizens, who were friendly to law and judgment. They would uphold order and only wanted their right wage, and wouldn't work even though they starved until such time as they got their demands but would never injure property or life.
He found Boucher rocking in a chair, over and over, muttering to himself. Nicholas was furious and let Boucher know precisely what he and the committee thought of hands that went against the orders of the committee. All members of the Union had been charged to lie down and die, if need be, and to strike no blows. The public was sure to be with them and the Union would carry the strike. Attacking a master?! Was there a more fool bunch of men that existed? When Nicholas mentioned giving Boucher up to the police, Boucher gave a great cry and struck Higgins in the face with his fist but turned right around and ran out like lightning. Nicholas was stunned by the blow and sat down for a moment in the chair just recently vacated by Boucher to collect himself. Bessy was shocked when her father walked in and sat heavily down. His face was pasty white, excepting where the blood had flowed from his nose. Mary came in from the kitchen and retreated straightaway upon seeing their father's countenance. Finding strength, Bessy walked over to Nicholas and grabbed him around his shoulders, as best she could in her weakened condition.
"Father, father!" she cried, "Thou'll never go peach on that poor clemmed man. I'll never leave go on thee, till thou sayst thou wunnot."
"Dunnot be a fool," answered her father, "Words come readier than deeds to most men. I never thought o' telling th' police on him; though by G- he deserves it, and I should na' ha' minded if someone else had done the dirty work, and got him clapped up. But now he has strucken me, I could do it less nor ever, for it would be getting other men to take up my quarrel. But if ever he gets well o'er this clemming and is in good condition, he and I'll have an up and down fight and I'll see what I can do for him."
When Margaret awoke and checked on her mother, she found that Mrs. Hale was in the drawing room, as this seemed to be one of her better days. She was full of praise for Mrs. Thornton's waterbed, comparing it to a bed in Sir John Beresford's elegant home.
'I don't know how, Mr. Hale, but the art of making a good bed has been lost since they made the beds at Sir John's. There are feathers enough and of the same type but none have provided me similar rest. Margaret, how do you find your repose? I appeal to you. Do you toss and turn attempting to find an easy position and waken in the morning as tired as you lay down?'
Margaret disclaimed any knowledge of Sir John Beresford's beds and laughingly informed her mother that, in general, she was so sleepy at night that falling asleep was not really a difficulty. Mr. Hale entered the room and reminded Margaret that Mr. Thornton was due shortly. Mrs. Hale was confused by the notice and asked her husband why Margaret's presence should be necessary to a discussion.
Mr. Hale answered her with a smile, 'Ah Mrs. Hale, she had a notion about the strike which has taken Mr. Thornton's fancy. Our Margaret believes that there may be a method to end the strike which will prevent so much trouble from befalling the mill owners and the workers.'
Mrs. Hale was not best pleased with this reply and responded sharply, 'Margaret, what are you about concerning yourself with a tradesman's problems? Let the mill owners deal with their workers; they are more intimately connected to each other. What would your Aunt Shaw say if she were to hear of you forming agreements and writing contracts for manufacturers and their men? I would be obliged to send you down to London the instant she received such a report.'
'Mamma,' Margaret said gently, 'You should not get overwrought. I am not writing contracts or any such thing. Mr. Thornton is coming to speak on an idea of mine to end the hunger and pain for Nicholas Higgins and others like him. There should be a trustworthy person that the masters and the men agree upon who can hear their arguments and make a decision that both sides will honor. Possibly neither side will be fully satisfied but if this can stop children from starving, then I am proud to do it.'
From the pinched look on Mrs. Hale's face, it was clear to her family that she was not comfortable with this knowledge but she remained silent on the subject. Instead she quietly stated, 'Perhaps I shall rest for a time. This heavy air is rather exhausting and Dixon has been at me to maintain equanimity. She feels it will help my dizzy spells.' Thus saying, Mrs. Hale moved with Margaret's help into her bedroom.
Margaret looked abashed at her father who did not appear to notice. Mr. Hale was distracted by the clock on the mantle, which indicated that Mr. Thornton should be arriving momentarily. 'We should go down to the study, my dear. Tardiness in one's own home is inexcusable.' So Mr. Hale and Margaret settled themselves in Mr. Hale's study in preparation for Mr. Thornton's appointment.