Introduction

The refined daughter of a "good old burgher family," Gertrude Coppard meets a rough-hewn miner, Walter Morel, at a Christmas dance and falls into a whirlwind romance characterized by physical passion.

Marriage and Challenges

But soon after her marriage to Walter, she realizes the difficulties of living off his meagre salary in a rented house. The couple fight and drift apart and Walter retreats to the pub after work each day.

Shifting Affections

Gradually, Mrs. Morel's affections shift to her sons beginning with the oldest, William, and later with her second son, Paul.