"Ruth Hilton, an orphan and dressmaker's assistant, is seduced and heartlessly deserted by the wealthy Henry Bellingham. Mrs Gaskell tells the story of Ruth's love for her child; her new life in the home of Thurston Benson, a dissenting minister; the misery caused by the tyrannical Mr. Bradshaw, in whose house she finds employment as a governess; and the cruel twist of fate that confronts her again with her worthless lover, with appalling consequences"--Back cover.