On Wednesday, February 24, Lidia North comes alone to Ballard's Mill seeking more of Martha Ballard's headache tonic. Lidia is visibly very ill, weakened by pain, dizziness, nausea, and months without relief. Martha immediately connects Lidia's visit to Joseph North's flight from Hallowell and resents that Lidia has twice supported her husband's false story in court.

Instead of helping at once, Martha questions Lidia about Joseph North's alibi for the night of Rebecca Foster's assault, specifically whether Major Henry Warren truly dined with them on August 10 and whether Lidia was actually awake to know Joseph was home all night. Pressed repeatedly, Lidia finally admits by gesture that she was not awake, confirming to Martha that her testimony was false. But Lidia also states that she will not say so at trial, insisting that as a judge's wife she cannot be forced to incriminate her husband.

Because Lidia refuses to tell the truth or reveal where Joseph has gone, Martha pushes away the money Lidia offers and refuses to make the tonic. Lidia responds with anger and self-righteousness, claiming Joseph is innocent, dismissing Rebecca Foster as a liar, and arguing that Rebecca's return has brought dangerous people back into town. In her fury, Lidia says Rebecca deserved what happened to her, while still denying Joseph's involvement.

Lidia then appeals to Ephraim Ballard to overrule Martha, but Ephraim quietly supports Martha's right to decide for herself. He helps Lidia with her cloak and sees her out, recognizing how frail she is. After Lidia leaves, however, Ephraim turns on Martha and says he expected better of her, making clear that although he understands Martha's anger at Joseph North, he believes Martha has wrongly punished a suffering woman for her husband's sins.