To the chagrin of Mrs Hoad-Blean and her neighbor, Lady Constantia Fitzjocelyn, her new tenants, the St. Rhadegunds are thoroughly self-made, and lack the genteel polish normally associated with their wealth. The Hoad-Blean girls spend most of the story righteously snubbing the St. Rhadegund boys, until their insane brother Edward shoots the eldest St. Rhadegund, precipitating a torrent of recriminations, misunderstandings, and ultimately, romances.

A pleasant romantic satire on class and family. ( )