Life is harsh but uncomplicated in the Rhondda Valleys. The Morgans are a happy and united family but as the new century approaches the younger generation is restless.

Huw can walk again. Ifor and Bronwen are married. lanto devotes himself to union work, but can still watch with interest as Owen's affection for Marged Evans begins to fade.

Saddened by Marged's death and by the failure of the strike, lanto and Owen have left for London. Their first letter home contains a cutting from The Times concerning Angharad and lestyn.

Angharad has left the valley to marry Iestyn Evans. Ceinwen Lloyd has taken Huw for a moonlit stroll on the mountainside. Mr Lloyd suspects the worst.

Angharad, Owen and lanto have returned to the valley. The mine has closed. Unemployment is rife. Having found work with Ifor in a nearby colliery, Huw has witnessed his brother's death.

Huw's first day at school has left him bruised but undefeated. The mine-owner's son, lestyn, is openly pursuing Angharad - but he has earned a blow from lanto for his efforts.