Reverend Ambrose Bradley, vicar of Fensea, is facing degradation since he was accused of being heretic by the parish. In these difficult times he is comforted by his beloved Heloise who promises to follow him where ever he is sent. Ambrose gets summoned to London by the Bishop of Darkdale and Dells. After a memorable interview he meets Alma Craik and falls in love with her, knowing he is promised to another woman. Unable to cope with temptations and challenges thrown at him, Ambrose resigns his service, and leaves the Church. Although promised to Heloise, he marries Alma and enjoys life in the beginning, but with so many issues left unaddressed, his dream life soon turns to misery.

Robert Williams Buchanan (1841-1901) was a Scottish poet, novelist and dramatist. Buchanan's first published works were books of poetry and the early success gave him a growing reputation. Thereafter he would take up prose fiction and the drama. He was also a frequent contributor to periodicals, and obtained notoriety as a tough critic.