A young man finds his reputation and marriage threatened when he is accused of bigamy based on the testimony of a former mistress from his past in the Australian goldfields. John Caldigate returns to England from Australia with a fortune and marries the woman he loves, only to have his life upended by a legal challenge regarding the validity of a previous union. He must navigate the rigid social structures of Victorian England while defending his character against accusations that jeopardize his standing and his family's future. The narrative employs a third-person omniscient perspective to examine the interplay between personal morality and the letter of the law. The protagonist faces intense scrutiny from his community, forcing him to rely on his own integrity and the support of his allies to survive the impending trial.

Readers and critics often note that this work represents a departure from the author's more domestic narratives by incorporating significant legal and colonial elements. Discussion frequently centers on the effectiveness of the courtroom scenes and the author's ability to maintain suspense regarding the protagonist's guilt or innocence. Many highlight the sharp critique of religious hypocrisy as a standout feature that adds depth to the social commentary. The balance between character development and the procedural aspects of the trial is frequently praised for its realism and attention to detail. Readers appreciate the narrator's fair-minded tone, which allows for a nuanced exploration of the ethical dilemmas presented throughout the story.