Accept this uncouth, impure, forward, worldly woman, and the wall of virtue and morality would be breached and society would have no further defenses against the forces of frightening change. Margaret Eaton was not that important in herself; it was what she represented that constituted the threat. Proper women had no choice; they had to prevent her acceptance into society as part of their defense of that society’s morality.
Accepting this woman, who is considered uncouth and immoral, would shatter societal norms and defenses against change. Margaret Eaton's presence was a threat because she represented the erosion of traditional values. Proper women were compelled to prevent her acceptance into society as a means of preserving their own moral order.