In a small provincial English town, there is a cruel secret society: intrigues are woven here, and dangerous secrets are kept among the richest and most respectable families. But above all, a drama unfolds between two strong young women—poor orphan Caroline Halstone, who is secretly in love with the wealthy manufacturer Moore, and her best friend, the rich heiress Shirley Kildare, whose heart was given to Moore’s younger brother, the modest young teacher Louis. Moore, smart and energetic but lacking in social manners, is convinced that Caroline, having received a wonderful education, despises him. Louis, in turn, understands that he is not a match for the charming Shirley. It seems that only a miracle could bring these pairs together…