Newly arrived in the Northern manufacturing city of Milton, Southerner Margaret Hale has reason to dislike her father’s student, manufacturer John Thornton.

1. “Your daughter and I have already met”

Invited to attend tea with the Hales, John Thornton clearly admires Margaret Hale but he cannot help verbally sparring with her.

2. Tea at Hales

During an extended strike across the city, workers break into the courtyard of Thornton’s mill while Margaret is there. She urges Thornton to speak to the mob, then realizes he might be in danger.

3. Riot

In an effort to protect Thornton from a stone-throwing worker, Margaret clings to his neck and is struck in his place. Thornton goes to call on her the next day.

4. Extended proposal

With Mrs. Hale ill, Margaret writes to her fugitive brother in Spain. He arrives in time to see her before she dies, but on being recognized, must leave Milton the night before her funeral. Thornton sees Margaret embracing a stranger at the train station after dark.

5. Foolish passion

Mr. Hale dies suddenly, and Margaret’s aunt arrives in Milton to take her back to London. She visits Thornton before she departs.

6. So you are going…Look back

As Thornton’s mill closes, Margaret, now an heiress, conceives a plan to help him. A chance meeting at a train station halfway between north and south gives her an opportunity to suggest her business proposition--with an ensuing “delicious silence” (The World’s Best Screen Kiss) interrupting. But then the whistle for Margaret’s train sounds….

7. A better rate of interest