Ayala's Angel

On the death of their father, Lucy and Ayala Dormer are left penniless. Their rich aunt, Lady Tringle, takes in Ayala, whilst their uncle, Reginald Dosset, a clerk in the Admiralty, takes in Lucy. Lady Tringle tires of the vivacious Ayala and effects a change of wards. Lucy falls in love with an impoverished sculptor whilst Ayala has her head in the clouds and imagines a perfect man who will be an "Angel of Light". She finally realises that her ideal man is nothing like her Angel of Light, but is it too late? There are various sub plots dealing mostly with the problems caused by Lady Tringle's children.