Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823-1901) was an English novelist known for her huge output, now mostly out of print. The story, published in 1884, is set during the reign of Henry VIII. Ambrose and Stephen Birkenholt lose their father, their home and decide to leave for London in search of their maternal uncle. The brothers know that Uncle got a good social and economic position, but when they find him they discover that their uncle is the jester by Wolsey, and are disappointed. Meanwhile, Ambrose has a religious conversion and became an employee of Sir Thomas More, while Stephen becomes an apprentice gunsmith. Years pass and Stephen starts to live a tormented love story, while the master of Stephen will fall from grace, Sthephen remains true and is rewarded with an attractive offer ...