Ralph Newton, heir to his uncle’s estate but deep in debt, considers marrying the daughter of his breeches-maker, Mr Neefit, while the squire’s illegitimate son, also named Ralph, is the one his father longs to make his heir. Meanwhile the reticent Sir Thomas Underwood stands for Parliament at Percycross against the popular radical Ontario Moggs, in an election drawn from Trollope’s own campaign.
Trollope at his most entertaining on inheritance, class and political corruption. Download the free EPUB.