Rickie Elliot, orphaned at the age of 15, finds his spiritual home at Cambridge and friendship in Ansell, the cerebral son of a grocer. Yet after university, Rickie's literary aspirations are set aside when he becomes infatuated with the beautiful yet materialistic Agnes Pembroke and begins teaching at a minor public school in order to marry her. It is a decision that causes Rickie to lose touch with his university friends and trade his philosophical ideals for a life of rigid conformity. As Agnes's true nature becomes increasingly apparent, family secrets are revealed that lead ultimately to tragedy.