It used to be termed an inferiority complex and McIntyre's version of the complaint was down to his bastardy and to his irksome poverty. One day he meets an exquisite girl and is surprised at her interest in him despite these deficiencies. He is intrigued by her impressive father, who was once an iron hero, a patriot, and whose friendship now offers him the opportunity to rise from his basement job in publishing. However, listening to the man's memoirs, McIntyre learns about a world much tougher and more deceptive than his own. Does he have the qualities needed to thrive in such a place? Does he want to become a part of it?