This work of fiction by Margaret Oliphant narrates the story of Lily Ramsay, a twenty-two-year-old girl who Lily is a caretaker of her gloomy uncle, Sir Robert Ramsay. It's decided that if she is obedient in every way, Sir Robert will leave her his fortune. But when Lily falls in love with an indigent barrister, Ronald Lumsden, Sir Robert disapproves of Ronald and sends Lily away from Edinburgh to an isolated Highland moor where he has an old place. Without caring about the money, Lily keeps her faith that Ronald will marry her and move with her to a better place, but Ronald is a diplomatic man. He advises Lily to be patient in the matter of marriage because of his selfish plans. Several significant events follow, including a shattering one, yet, Lily still has some hope to stick to. Mrs. Oliphant (1828-97) was a talented Scottish novelist and a historical writer whose works surround domestic realism, the historical novel, and tales of the supernatural.