The story's set in South Kensington, in 1914-1918. Rattingan gives a detailed introduction of the main characters' lives, namely the Winslow family. The story begins with Ronnie, the youngest son of the Winslow family, worried about something that will be introduced later in the story as seen in quotes 'he looks despairingly around' and 'contemplating flight'. The maid, Violet, is shocked to see Ronnie and tells him his parents are returning from church. Rattingan begins the story with the family returning from church to foreshadow that their lives were about to change, as church represents peace, and something sacred.
After the scene of Ronnie's interaction with Violet, the rest of the Winslow family is introduced. They have returned from church and are debating about a certain matter. This foreshadows the major debate that will soon come later in the story, that may or may not divide the family. Arthur, Ronnie's father, tells Dickie that he 'would not be spending two hundred pounds a year' keeping him at oxford. Dickie felt offended which shows how readers with siblings could relate to the situation if they had experienced the same thing. Siblings are always compared to one another and Dickie was compared to Ronnie as Ronnie was the more successful boy in the family. They speak about how Dickie should be doing work but instead he is playing music loudly on the gramophone. They are skeptical about whether Dickie is really doing work, but he assures them that the gramophone helps him concentrate.
The readers are then introduced to Catherine's life, where she is about to be married to a man she loves. The scene involves Catherine's fiance getting Arthur's approval of marrying his daughter. John speaks with Arthur and Arthur finds out about John's wealth.
Catherine and John talk, and Ronnie who had been hiding outside in the bushes, sneaks into the house and greets Catherine. He was soaking wet as he had been hiding, and he asks Catherine to not call Arthur because he is afraid of his father's reaction. Ronnie contemplates whether to tell a lie but is completely open with Catherine. In this scene, we can see Catherine's gentle nature as she reads the letter and tries to listen to what her brother has to say and not jump to conclusions. She is also rational and speaks to Ronnie sweetly saying 'No, darling' which makes her a kind character.
Dickie stays with Ronnie as Catherine goes to call her mother, and Ronnie and Dickie talk. Dickie is less gentle than Catherine and thinks Ronnie did steal, as stated in the letter. Dickie doesn't accuse Ronnie of stealing but is understanding in a different way.
Soon Arthur finds out and Ronnie is surprised by his calm reaction to it. Arthur's calm way of handling the situation felt unnatural which made Ronnie skeptical and afraid. Ronnie repeatedly tells his family 'I didn't do it!' emphasizing his innocence as he has a fear that none of his family would believe him. He somehow felt guilty, and his character's emotions are portrayed showing his timid, shy attitude. Although Ronnie is fourteen, he is shown crying throughout the story, which perhaps shows his weak manner and guilt towards his situation. However, upon getting into a new school, his mental state improves. It is seen that his family cares for him dearly, every one of his family members including Violet, being understanding and compassionate.
Arthur thinks about how to handle the situation and decides he wants to bring it to court, to appeal and help clean Ronnie's name whilst proving his innocence. Arthur decides to hire a very expensive man to defend Ronnie in the case, and Catherine disapproves of her father's actions.
Sir Robert is introduced, and he questions and tests Ronnie, then decides that he will take on the case. Arthur soon becomes very sick, as his wealth is declining due to all the money he spent on Ronnie's case.
Arthur then decides to stop paying for Dickie's school and is unexpected to find Dickie's reaction from it.
Arthur soon receives a letter, from John's father, and due to all the publicity the Winslow family has been getting, he does not want John to marry Catherine. Catherine is devastated although she doesn't show her emotions.
Catherine and her father have minor debates about Sir Robert as Catherine views him as a person who wouldn't be taking on the case if it weren't for his own political gain.
Towards the end of the story, her views on Sir Robert changes, as although he had done some questionable things in court, they were part of his strategy, and even though their side had lost the case multiple times, Sir Robert's determination is displayed, and Catherine soon views Sir Robert in a different light.
Towards the end Ronnie is fifteen, and they have won the case. Although the Winslow family were facing difficulties as they were getting poorer, they couldn't even pay for Violet's wage anymore, they were still content as they had worked terribly hard to prove Ronnie's innocence.
