The Reverend Mr Buchanan holds an important position in the university town of St Rule’s, but his means are small. As he and his wife struggle to do the required entertaining, and to make many necessary expenditures for his family, he turns to his rich old friend Mr Anderson, who lends him three hundred pounds. When Mr Anderson dies suddenly, Mr Buchanan knows that he should notify the executor of the estate about this loan; but he postpones this action until his opportunity has passed, leaving him obsessed with guilt and fear. The once kind father and husband sinks into a deep and angry depression.