Ambitious young clergyman Mark Robarts nearly ruins his career and reputation by seeking dangerous financial aid from the unscrupulous Sowerby to maintain a high social standing. His debt and shame are intertwined with the romance between his sister, Lucy, and the aristocratic Lord Lufton, which faces fierce opposition due to class differences. The novel follows Mark’s eventual redemption through the loyalty of his wife and friends, culminating in the triumph of love and integrity over worldly ambition.