The British Raj: though their position seems secure, thoughtful English men and women know that "their" time in India is coming to an end. The story begins with an unjust arrest for rape; a young public school educated Indian man considers himself English rather than Indian, he works as a journalist in India, lives with his aunt and becomes involved with a British woman, Daphne. One night they are attacked in the Bibighar Gardens by a group of unknown men and she is raped. A lower-class British officer holds Hari responsible and puts him in prison where he tortures him, even though he is aware of his innocence. Merrick's motives are twofold; he resents Hari's private education as well as the fact that Daphne preferred Hari to him. After Daphne's death in childbirth, another young British woman, Sarah Layton, becomes the central character. Like Daphne, Sarah is pursued by Merrick, but prefers his subordinate, Guy Perron. Sarah's sister, Susan, is married to the ineffectual Teddy Bingham, who is killed in an enemy attack despite Merrick's attempt to save his life. Merrick later marries Susan. Questions of identity and personal responsibility are explored against a background of war and personal intrigue.