One woman rebels against society's strictures to live a life of compassion in this thought-provoking Victorian novel by the author of Robert Falconer. This 1882 story of a dysfunctional family features another of MacDonald's memorable female protagonists. Reminiscent of Mary St. John of Robert Falconer, Hester Raymount chooses a single life of ministry among London's downtrodden (whose character and work were inspired by MacDonald friend and social activist Octavia Hill), and, like Mary Marston, uses her musical gifts to further that ministry. The poignant character of Hester's brother Mark brings to life a moving portrait of MacDonald's own son Maurice, whom he and Louisa lost at the age of fifteen but a short while before this book was written.