The day-to-day life of amateur artist Margaret Tyrone, circa 1900, concert her efforts to make a living in London, burdened with a family background that is considered shameful. In her thirties, she is looking for love and, falling that, at least a respectable and true marriage which is is persuaded is essential for every woman. Because she is talented, she can rub shoulders with wealthy and important people, yet is aware that the reputation of her father overshadows her life.
 
Her difficult childhood, then her experiences finding and then losing first a sister figure, then a young brother, are repeated again in her romantic life, and she gradually learns to acceptance of herself. Disregarding society and the rules others place on her, she finally embraces an unusual happiness.