Colonel Tempest, his wastrel son Archie and beautiful daughter Diana (Di) are dismayed when they are cut out of the will of old Mr Tempest, Colonel Tempest’s brother. All of the Tempest fortune and estates at Overleigh pass to son John. However, everyone except John knows that he is illegitimate. Colonel Tempest, enraged, agrees in a drunken stupor to a bounty of £10,000 on John’s head although he later comes to bitterly regret this. Meanwhile, Di, who is strong and independent, has vowed she will never marry. However, as she gets to know her cousin John, over time they become close. John eventually learns of his illegitimacy and its implications. What will therefore happen to his deepening love for Di and his claim to the family fortune? - Summary by Simon Evers