The arrival of a newcomer disrupts the stagnant, duty-bound life of a middle-aged woman living in a decaying rectory. Mary Jocelyn has dedicated her existence to the service of her father, Canon Jocelyn, within the confines of their Victorian-era home. When she encounters Robert Herbert, the equilibrium of her isolated life shifts, forcing her to confront long-suppressed desires and the complexities of her filial obligations. The narrative follows her internal transformation as she navigates the tension between her established role and the emergence of a new, personal identity.

Readers frequently highlight the novel's ability to capture the quiet intensity of a life lived in the shadows of social expectation. Discussion often centers on the author's sharp, unsentimental observation of the protagonist's internal growth and the stifling nature of her environment. Critics often praise the book for its psychological depth and the masterful way it handles the transition from repression to self-awareness. Many readers find the portrayal of the relationship between Mary and her father to be particularly compelling and authentic. The work is widely regarded as a significant example of early 20th-century domestic fiction that avoids melodrama in favor of nuanced character study.