North and South: Chapter 34 Summary & Analysis

Margaret is, in fact, under great strain. She grieves and waits in agony for further word from Frederick. A few days later, a police inspector comes and asks to speak to Margaret. The inspector tells Margaret that a man (Leonards) has died as a consequence of a fall at the train station the week before. A scuffle was rumored, and the inspector was told that Margaret witnessed it. She maintains a defiant look and tells the inspector, “with the unconscious look of a sleep-walker,” that she was not there. She maintains her regal bearing until the inspector leaves the house, then goes into the study and swoons.