Margaret Hale and John Thornton

  “You're coming home with me__” The train slowly began to move as John, holding Margaret's luggage, closed the compartment door.  ＊＊ They sat side by side as the greenery outside the windows began to speed up around them. Looking at the pretty yellow flower in the palm of her hand, Margaret began to reminisce.  “There will be no people there like us… in Milton. How can there be?” “We will manage, Mother.” At that time, she was stroking this flower while going to Milton with a desperate feeling. But now, it was with hope that she was traveling north. John had been watching Margaret and said to her calmly:  "One time at your house, Helstone came up in conversation... Mr. Hale was talking about those roses."  "Father was?"  Margaret turned to him who nodded yes.  "When in season, the house would be surrounded in yellow and green because of them. When I asked if it was the work of a gardener, he said he hardly did anything.  He laughed that the ...

  ＊＊ The sun was setting and its light reflected in Margaret's hair.   "I wonder if the Higgenses are all well... I sent a letter, but never got a reply."   Margaret appeared relaxed as she took off her jacket.   John looked charmed by the sight of her in her blouse.   "Even in the final days of the mill, that fellow stubbornly kept working."   He laughed slightly.   "I see... Was he such a serious person?"   John ’ s expression implied that was the case.   Margaret looked at John.   "When Nicholas was allowed to work at your mill, he was surprised."   "What? Because of the machine?"   "No, because of you," she continued.   "'The master came to my house!' he said. 'He apologized to me. He was sorry for assuming I lied about my adoption.' he said."   "..."   "You were the mill owner...and the only person who could do that. I... when I heard that... I was so proud. It was because of y...

  ＊＊ It was sundown in Milton. They were in the Thorntons ’  living room.  Hannah was sitting alone, doing embroidery.  The sound of her son's footsteps on the stairs gradually grew louder.  There was a hint that he entered the room.  "Mother."  She pulled her gaze from her embroidery for the first time and saw John.  "Welcome back, John"  John wore a jacket, but with no tie and the stubble on his face was visible.   The mother looked away from her son and back at her needlework. She began working again as she said:  "John, I'm not going to ask where it is you've been... it's good to have you back."  "..."  "Your father never came back."  "..."  "But you did...and that is enough."  John couldn't tell whether she spoke to herself or to him.  He walked up to the chair where his mother was sitting and put his hand on the back of it.  "Mother... There is something I must tell you."  He took ...

  ＊＊ The next morning, Margaret stood in front of the Higgins' home.   She knocked on the wooden door.   A short time later, the door cracked open and Mary peered out.   "Ms. Hale!"   "Mary!"   Margaret hugged the surprised looking Mary.   The children hurried out from their rooms and looked up at Margaret.   She smiled as she hugged them and patted their heads.  ＊＊   Margaret was sitting relaxed in a familiar environment.   The children were all playing house in a corner.  She  hadn't visited the Higgins' home in a long time and looked around.   "Where's Nicholas?"   Mary placed her drink on the table and said, "There you are..."   "He went to the mill...early this morning. He seemed very busy..."   "I see."   Margaret watched the children play and asked, "Tom too?"   Mary nodded.   "Tom follows him wherever he goes."   Remembering something, Mary took some pieces of paper that were...

  ＊＊ After leaving the communal kitchen, John walked quickly through the ground that used to be occupied with a hustle and bustle of people, materials ,  products, and horses loading and unloading them. Now the place was  vacant  and deserted. "Master!" Hearing a voice behind him, John stopped and turned around. Nicholas Higgins ran towards him. “ I haven't seen you walk  that  fast in a long time," he said, catching up to his master  and panting . “Well? What happened after?” John had been preoccupied with work, but his face loosened up a bit and he uttered, “Yes.” Higgins  knew  that John and Margaret ended up together,  just  from the look in John ’ s eyes. He nodded slightly and offered his hand  without saying a word . "..." John silently took  his hand  and shook it, like  he had  a few days ago.  " The  next few weeks  seem quite busy . I  will  need your help." As he  tu...

  Margaret was genuinely surprised. 'Mr. Thornton... How did you know I was here?' John did not  answer and came  closer to her. "I have something to tell you." "Actually," he paused,  “ I'm going to London later today on the night  train to  negotiate the purchase of some materials.” "Oh..." “ I ’  m afraid we cannot have dinner with my mother tonight. " Margaret  shook her head . "I'm sorry to hear that...but you have to go to London. At any rate the first priority is to reopen the mill. Get  the  business off the ground as soon as possible. ”   John took a step closer without saying a word and touched Margaret's cheek with the palm of his hand as she looked up at him. He thought it was a miracle. He had encountered someone who could share the same future  with  him, and accept him. And here they were together. ＊＊ They walked further up the stairs. Margaret naturally put her hand on John's arm. She opened the door to the...