Elspeth and Anna Patterson have at last to face the disgrace that has stalked them since childhood. Driven from home by fear and shame, Elspeth and her baby find refuge among coal miners, where she becomes a harness-wife on the deep sea-coast pits of the Forth. Anna, cast off by her lover, Randall Bontine, sets out to ensnare a wealthy new husband. But Anna's ambition may ruin her life, and bring to Elspeth the fulfilment of the destiny that is her birthright.