Though the social gulf between their families was as wide as the Tyne, it did not stop Sarah Bradley loving David Heatherington. But marrying into his family wasn't just a matter of forsaking a poky terrace and a bitter, bullying stepfather for a bright new home at the top end of town, where folks kept marble clocks -- not Woodbines -- on the mantelpiece, and ate fruit with a knife and fork. For Mary Hetherinton was a mother who dominated her menfolk, and quickly took against the girl who brought life and laughter into her dustless world. And Sarah, for her part, found that even the best people had their quarrels, and secrets they were anxious to hide.