An earnest and ambitious young doctor is forced by circumstances into village and rural practice -- and this is the story of a misfit, a square peg in a round hold, of community politics and backbiting and jealousies, of a character changing under uncongenial work -- and coming near to wrecking not only his professional career, but his home as well. And of a young and lovely and understanding wife who handles a difficult situation and brings her husband back into his rightful place. Somewhat different from the routine Deeping pattern, but it will doubtless hold the dependable market this author has established -- though it will not expand it noticeably.