Outraged at the demolition of the gorge, Lady Maud goes to see Dundridge, suggesting that they work together to expose Sir Giles as the blackmailer. However, since Dundridge detests her and believes that she was responsible for compromising him, Dundridge refuses, making it his mission to destroy her home. That night Blott gets one of the workmen extremely drunk and encourages him to cause destruction - and a death - in the village to increase public hostility to the roadworks. Sir Giles, meanwhile, who is living with Mrs Forthby, drugs her and returns to the hall, which he tries to burn down, escaping into the grounds after a fight with his wife.