Ok, here is the beginning of the train station scene. You knew it was coming eventually. . . .

Dr. Donaldson had warned that, although Mrs. Hale might appear stronger for now, the end was approaching with much rapidity. Frederick was inclined to disbelieve what he termed 'doomsday prophecies' and renewed his queries about London physicians being brought in. However, by nightfall it was clear that the doctor had been in the right of the matter. Mrs. Hale had suffered some severe convulsions and when they ended, she was no longer conscious. Mr. Hale, Frederick and Margaret each took a turn sitting and watching – and truthfully, waiting – in the event there would be a change. In the grey darkness of pre-dawn, the Hale family bid a final, tearful farewell to Maria Hale. There was comfort, small though it was, in the knowledge that that she was finally at peace, untroubled by the smoke and grime of Milton and no longer wracked with constant spasms of pain. Mr. Hale laid his head upon the deathbed and would neither speak nor move. He remained in this attitude until his children forced him into the chair which sat near to the bed, teary eyes shut and insensible of his surroundings. Frederick, despite his credo of perpetual optimism, cried bitterly and loudly until Dixon and Margaret nervously reminded him that the walls were none too thick.

The next morning, Margaret approached her father about the funeral. He sat listlessly and agreed with every suggestion put forth, merely asking to be left to himself. Dixon was waiting to speak with Margaret but obviously anxious. Apparently, she had been out heading to the market and saw a fellow on the street that she recognized. His name was Leonards and he hailed originally from Southampton, like Dixon - who was feeling very out of place in Milton – and she had opened the conversation. However, Dixon was greatly sorry for such an action almost immediately, as in her estimation, Leonards was 'a nasty, good for nothing fellow' and 'impudent'. But her fear, the one leading her to approach Margaret, was that Leonards had been on the same ship and at the same time as Frederick but Dixon was unsure if Leonards had been still stationed on the Orion at the time of the mutiny. Dixon was gravely worried about Mr. Hale that he might have a stroke with his deep mourning and was resolved to tell him of Leonards presence in Milton if, for no other reason, than to rouse him from his despair. Margaret's concerns of the court martial and subsequent noose that was dangling over Frederick's head every instant that he was on English soil only served to increase her desire to see him safely away. Unfortunately, Frederick was determined not to leave until after the funeral which he could not, of course, attend but he wished to be a prop and support for Mr. Hale in his grief. So Margaret and Dixon laid their heads together and prepared a plan for Frederick's eventual removal from the neighborhood. Sad as the sister was to wish her own brother gone again to his adopted country and likely forever from their little family, the dread of exposure was far worse.

Margaret ensured that Frederick was told of the danger present in the vicinity and about her and Dixon's ideas for his quitting Milton unharmed. He approved of their proposal but wished that he might first have a chance to whip the blackguard. Then he said, 'Do you know, Margaret, I was very nearly giving both Dixon and myself a good fright this afternoon. I was in my bedroom and had heard a ring at the front door but I thought the ringer must have done his business and gone away long ago. I was on the point of making my appearance in the passage when, as I opened my room door, I saw Dixon coming downstairs. She frowned and kicked me into hiding again. I kept the door open and heard a message given to some man that was in my father's study who then went away. Who could it have been? One of the shopmen?'

Margaret replied that it was probably the man who came to take an order somewhere around two o'clock.

'No,' Frederick answered, 'He was a tall, strong-looking fellow, dressed completely in a black suit.' Margaret was painfully confused and her anger at the mill owner was renewed – Mr. Thornton had come and left from their home and she had heard nothing of it. Mr. Hale was in his study and when asked his son's question of the identity of the caller, he informed Margaret that it had indeed been Mr. Thornton coming to offer any possible assistance to their family. He had also, according to Mr. Hale, asked after Margaret but when Dixon had been sent to find her, she had not been at home. Mr. Thornton had sent his regrets for not being able to offer his condolences in person to her. The bitter disappointment that, despite herself, Margaret felt (but to which she would never admit) at missing Mr. Thornton, not having seen or spoken with him for nigh unto a month, was made no less keen by the amused looks being directed at her by her brother.

When the three remaining Hales broke their fast in the morning, Mr. Hale was hardly able to eat or sit still, so restless and uneasy was he that Frederick was in danger and should leave immediately. Every noise made him startle and it was with anxiety in his tone that Mr. Hale inquired of Margaret if she would accompany her brother to the train station. Margaret assured him of her cooperation and that she would see Frederick safely to the station and would do all in her power to ensure no one would recognize him as Lieutenant Hale the mutineer. Fred's train was due at 6:10 which was, based on the time of year, going to be at dusk. Margaret wished to comfort her father that she was not concerned with her return from the station as the road home was well lit and she was accustomed to the area and felt no potential for harm.

Frederick bid his last farewell to his silent mother and took his leave from his father and then he and his sister climbed into a cab to take them to the station. Due to Margaret's haste to remove Frederick from a painful good-bye with Mr. Hale and the fact that the trains were not consistently on schedule, they arrived about twenty minutes early. The siblings were strolling on a flagstone path next to the station and having a pleasant discussion about possibilities for Fred to be exculpated when Margaret suddenly stopped and stiffened. She appeared to struggle with herself momentarily but then exclaimed, 'Mr. Thornton! I trust you are well.'

In the receding light, a man slowly dismounted from his horse and advanced toward them, eyeing Frederick suspiciously and wondered disconsolately if this is was Henry Lennox. Frederick snorted softly and leaned down to whisper in Margaret's ear, 'So THAT is your Mr. Thornton?' Margaret could not respond as the object of the exchange was coming over. Mr. Thornton had not missed their intimate exchange, oh, how it pained him, and said stiffly, 'Miss Hale, I am sorry for having missed the chance to extend my condolences before. For your mother's sake, I would greatly appreciate if you would keep me informed of the time of the funeral so that I might attend. As I had offered to your father, if there is anything that you or Mr. Hale may need, you should notify either myself or my mother.'

The anger which had been simmering inside of Margaret against Mr. Thornton resurfaced fleetingly at his cold speech until she noticed what looked to be hurt on his face. Was Mr. Thornton distraught over her walking alone with Fred? She suddenly was struck by a powerful realization – Mr. Thornton thought she was involved romantically with Frederick. And then suddenly his professions of love in her father's study came rushing into her head and she could neither move nor speak for a full minute, blushing furiously. She came to an exceedingly difficult decision and determined to trust Mr. Thornton totally. He was a man of integrity and honor. Margaret finally lifted her head and looked directly at Mr. Thornton.

'Mr. Thornton, may I speak frankly with you? I have a delicate matter which I would like to discuss but your absolute discretion is necessary.'

Mr. Thornton was at once in a struggle in his mind with both hope and fear – he feared that Margaret would now tell him that the man standing with her, with whom she was clearly quite familiar, was to be her husband but he hoped with all the ardor of a man in love that she might think well of him and someday might return his love. He did not miss how she held the stranger's arm as if it were a most dear object and the blush on her beautiful pale skin; however, John Thornton knew that to keep Margaret safe, he would do anything. 'Miss Hale, I can assure you of my complete silence on the subject. Is there something which I can do to help you?'

Frederick stood ostensibly calmly next to Margaret, having distinguished the signs of passion in the face of the man in front of them with all the wisdom and experience of a man newly in love, so he waited to see what his sister was about. Sadly Frederick thought, I will not be here to protect my baby sister. Perhaps this fellow will take be able to care of her. . .

Margaret tightened her hold on Frederick's arm and stood up straight. She said quietly enough that only they three could hear, 'May I introduce you to my brother, Frederick? He came to wish our mother farewell but cannot even stay for her funeral. I have promised not to reveal his presence in England else he would be in grave danger but thought,' and here she faltered, blushing even more strongly, 'I know that you are trustworthy and you have seen us here, at night, it does not look right. But there is no impropriety and I feel that it would be dishonest to allow you to think otherwise.'

Both men were astounded at her admission but the joy which took hold in Mr. Thornton's breast was almost too great to bear. This was no beloved – he was her brother! And the faith which Margaret had shown to lay such a private matter before him caused, for the first time, an optimism that she might return his affection. Frederick and Margaret wondered and were uneasy at Mr. Thornton's silence but his countenance did not indicate distress; rather, the look on his face was one of profound relief. Extending his hand, Mr. Thornton answered, 'Mr. Hale, I am glad to make your acquaintance. Perhaps we will meet again in the future, when you return to visit with your family.'

Frederick shook his hand willingly but answered with regret, 'Of necessity, I am called Mr. Dickinson and am not entirely sure if my return to England will ever occur. I have invited my father and Margaret to travel to my place of abode but cannot come here for fear of repercussions. My train will arrive momentarily so I will step over to platform and await my departure. Margaret, have you purchased the ticket?'

Margaret nodded and watched gratefully as Frederick moved a slight distance away, allowing her an instant of private conversation with Mr. Thornton. She raised her large, grey eyes to his and kept her voice low as she stated softly, 'He is accused of mutiny and will hang if brought to court martial. I thank you for your secrecy and am indebted to you for your kindnesses to my family in our time of need.'

Glancing at the gathering darkness, Mr. Thornton asked with his usual frankness, 'Will it not be fully dark upon your trip home, Miss Hale? Let me wait upon your brother's train and I can escort you back. Your father, I am sure, will value the assurance of your security.' Although he spoke somberly, there was a hopeful, almost nervous, look in his eyes as he made the request.

Margaret smiled as she replied, 'I have made my way home on these lighted streets later than even this; however, your request is a wise one and your escort would be appreciated.'