First published in 1951, this is a story of the unfolding secret of Margaret whose determination to be near and protect the orphan, Sweetie, is part of the crucial years at the Archbishop Bodkin Hospital. For Sweetie has set her heart on Ginger, and Ginger is geared only for trouble, while the new head, Dr. Trump, dreams of nothing but reforms when he replaces the loved, kindly Canon Mallow.

Margaret's intervention at the orphanage during a polio epidemic costs her her job with autocratic Dame Eleanor but she is unable to save Sweetie from incurring Trump's wrath or cure her of her obsession for Ginger.

The climax comes when Sweetie runs away with Ginger and tries to commit suicide when pursuit catches up with them and more drama and discovery unfolds...