She did not really like it that her mother had married again, especially since Mr. Windibank was only five years older than herself. He was a good businessman. When he sold her deceased father's business, he received more money than her father could have obtained.
Mr. Windibank never wanted her to go anywhere. So when she decided to attend the gasfitters' ball, he tried to discourage her. In the end, she and her mother attended the ball. Mr. Windibank did not attend. He had to make a business trip to France for his firm.
At the ball, she met Mr. Hosmer Angel. He courted her on subsequent days; and they quickly became engaged. Her mother was in on the secret, but they did not tell Mr. Windibank.
When the stepfather returned from France, they decided to communicate by letter instead of personal contact. Hosmer typed his letters to Mary, but he asked Mary to write hers with her own hand. He considered it more romantic.
Mary did not know where Hosmer worked or where he lived. She addressed her letters to the Leadenball Street Post Office, to be left until called for.
Hosmer was a shy man. He preferred to walk with her in the evening instead of daylight. He had a very weak voice because of an ailment that afflicted him when he was young. He sort of whispered when he talked. His eyes were weak and he wore tinted glasses because he could not stand the glare.
When Mr. Windibank had to travel to France once more,