Chapter 12: A tete a tete and a discovery

In chapter twelve, Mr. Markham finds Mrs. Graham upset by the gossip. Mr. Markham tells her that he loves her and that he wants to protect her, but she insists that he cannot help her. Mrs. Graham tells Mr. Markham there is a lot about her he does not understand, but that she is a virtuous woman despite what everyone thinks. Mrs. Graham agrees to meet Mr. Markham the following day and tell him the truth, but for now he must go. Mr. Markham begins to leave, but returns because he wants one more look at Mrs. Graham. Unfortunately, Mr. Markham overhears a conversation between Mrs. Graham and Mr. Lawrence that suggests the rumors are all true. In chapter thirteen, Mr. Markham begins to bury himself in work even as he falls into a deep depression. Mr. Markham reluctantly goes to visit Mr. Wilson and is outraged to find Miss Wilson and Miss Eliza Millward there, still talking about Mrs. Graham.