Lispeth is an Indian girl, orphaned when her Christian-convert parents succumb to Cholera. Taken on as a chaplain's wife's servant/companion, Lispeth grows into a handsome young lady. One day whilst out on a walk, she rescues an unconscious young Englishman, who she determines will be her future husband. However, racial prejudices and caste systems in Raj India are rife, so Lispeth's best-laid plans may not run entirely smoothly. An absorbing story, and an interesting example of Kipling's complex ideas on race and empire.