May opens as a richly observed Victorian novel of family, class, and quiet emotional upheaval, set against the old-world streets of Comlie in Fife. At its center is Marjory Hay-Heriot, a young woman whose charm, authority, and compassion make her a natural leader among neighbors, the poor, and even the doctor who relies on her influence to soften stubborn hearts. But beneath the town's humane routines lies grief, secrecy, and social strain, and Marjory's life is soon shaken by the death of her brother Tom. As she searches his effects, she finds not the significance she expected, but debts, trifles, and then a revealing letter from Isabell, a humble young woman whose affectionate, anxious words expose hidden attachments, class insecurity, and the painful possibility of marriage. Meanwhile, a family letter from India brings news of illness, exhaustion, and financial pressure, setting the stage for a struggle over home, authority, and belonging. When Aunt Jean arrives, sharp-eyed and resolute, she recognizes the injustice at once and carries Marjory and the baby away with her, offering refuge amid the novel's poignant tensions of duty, pride, and loss. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.