Against the lively backdrop of Cambridge at the end of Lent term and the harsher streets beyond it, this novel follows young people whose lives are shaped by class, courage, and chance. From the excitement of college rowing to the frozen Serpentine, where Frank Maynard witnesses a boy's desperate rescue of a dog, the story moves between privilege and hardship, revealing a world where wealth and poverty stand only steps apart. Frank's sympathy is awakened by Evan Holl, the poor but fearless sweetseller whose bravery leaves a lasting impression. The novel also turns inward to the Holl family, where Carry's cheerful visits to James Holl, a crippled boy who makes exquisite wax flowers, highlight the dignity of work and the value of encouragement. James's intelligence later surprises everyone in a political discussion that ranges from American democracy to English institutions and the rising unrest of Chartism, exposing tensions between theory and experience, reform and resentment. Through these scenes, the story blends social observation, family feeling, and political debate into a vivid portrait of Victorian life. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.