Henry Thresk is constantly chided by his mother. Mrs. Thresk believes that scolding her son would make him become a disciplined individual. However, Henry is affected by these continuous rebukes in his entire life. Henry is a lawyer and at the age of twenty-eight years, he goes to Sussex for a vacation. In Sussex, he meets a young girl called Stella Derrick. Stella falls in love with Henry at first sight. Both Stella and Henry ride horses to Bignor Hill. Stella reveals her feelings to Henry. At first, Henry seems to fall in love but his personal ambition supersedes love and marriage. After the holiday, Henry takes the train to London leaving Stella heartbroken.
Henry is hired as an attorney by Mr. and Mrs. Curruthers in Bombay eight years later. The Curruthers’ want him to represent them in a partnership suit involving their company. Being a wit and sharp barrister, Henry wins the case. Mrs. Curruthers invites him to their house for dinner. In the course of their conversation, Henry spots a portrait of Stella. He enquires from Mrs. Curruthers whether the photo belongs to Stella. Mrs. Curruthers assures him the picture belongs to Stella and refers him to Mrs. Repton for further details about Stella. Henry learns that Stella is married to a man called Ballantyne but he mistreats her.
Stella becomes fed up with Mr. Ballantyne's exploitations. As a result, he shoots him dead with a rifle. Stella is charged with murder. She has no lawyer to represent her and is likely to be imprisoned. Upon learning that Stella would be convicted, Henry comes to her rescue. He commits perjury by testifying for the defense of Stella. Therefore, he becomes the witness for the defense. Ultimately, Stella is acquitted and gets back to Sussex where she marries Dick Hazlewood. Henry tries everything to convince Stella to fall in love with him again but in vain. Stella has made up her mind and gravitates to Dick. Henry is left devastated.
