John Allenby and the child stared at each other. He knew nothing of her past life, but he needed so much to help her.
John Allenby is utterly disillusioned by his job, and life. His birthday starts a set of circumstances that brings him into contact with the child. Meeting up at a children's home, set up by philanthropic businessess, the two appear to share a rapport, that builds into a strong bond, until he has only one thought on his mind, to adopt her and bring her into his family.
Used and abused all her short life, the child is so dirty that at first they do not know her gender for she will not let anyone near. Her behaviour is appalling and her language as filthy as her face. So can she change? The child has always fended for herself and being in the company of caring adults, confuses her, Kindness met with abuse. So will he manage to help her find the innocent child within?
A clash with the girl's father leaves him facing a suspension and possible murder charge and though it wrecks his health common sense prevails.
A romantic involvement with the woman, who persuaded him to take this job, brings further complications for John and his family.