It chronicles the journey of William Crimsworth, a young Englishman who, after the death of his parents and the snubbing of society, seeks his fortune abroad. Rejecting a comfortable but unsuitable position under his vain elder brother, William secures work as a tutor at a boys’ school in Brussels. There, he navigates the rigid social hierarchies of the expatriate community and the pretensions of his employers.
In Brussels, William falls in love with his fellow teacher, Frances “Graphie” Héger, whose intelligence and integrity both challenge and inspire him. As he builds his own school and reputation, he confronts class snobbery, romantic misunderstandings, and the struggle for personal autonomy. Ultimately, through perseverance and the forging of genuine mutual respect, William and Graphie find happiness together.
