How is this not a more famous book? Or E.D.E.N Southworth not a more famous author? The book's hero too noble or the author's Christianity too apparent, perhaps? Nevertheless, this story is so fascinating and well-told and its hero's goodness and industry so affecting, that the book is very hard to put down once opened. Written and set in antebellum Maryland and Washington , D.C., it is easy to see why Ms. Southworth could have been considered the best storyteller of her time, or, if she was not, it is hard to understand why not. The story opens under happy circumstances and shortly thereafter events take unexpected and unfortunate turns, leaving the hero as poor and unloved as can be imagined. (The alternative title is, after all, "In the Depths.") From there, it is the story of a poor boy striving to make good despite many obstacles and temptations. It is an inspiring and fun read. But the story is not complete, so on to the sequel!