A woman’s life is irrevocably altered by a clandestine romance that leaves her with a child and no legal standing. The protagonist navigates the social constraints of rural southern England, where the abandonment by her lover forces her into a precarious existence. The narrative explores the intersection of human fallibility and supernatural intervention, utilizing a framework that blends traditional realism with elements of the uncanny. As the man moves on to a new marriage, the protagonist must confront the lingering consequences of their past, which manifest in ways that defy simple explanation.

Readers frequently highlight the effectiveness of Hardy’s ability to weave dark, atmospheric tension into a seemingly simple narrative of betrayal. Discussion often centers on the ambiguity of the supernatural elements, which leave the audience questioning whether the events are grounded in reality or psychological projection. Critics note that the pacing remains steady, allowing the emotional weight of the protagonist's situation to develop without becoming overly melodramatic. The work is often praised for its ability to maintain the author's signature focus on the harsh realities of rural life while introducing a haunting, dreamlike quality that distinguishes it from his longer novels.