East London, in the late 1880s. With their mother & father dead from diphtheria, fifteen-year-old Maggie, her sister Liz & young brother Charlie must fend for themselves from now on. But suddenly Liz is taken ill, & in caring for her, Maggie loses the little work she had. One night, in desperation, she ventures onto the streets, risking her safety & innocence, discovering both violence & compassion. Yet that dark night also provides Maggie with a chance to lift her family out of poverty & though tragedy still lies in store, a mysterious stranger has her best interests at heart & Maggie