Dr George Cochrane led a comfortable life on the outskirts of Pendleton. He lived there with his wife and son Michael. During the day he was the doctor to the worst streets of the nearby city. There was no house that was too dismal and no patient too poor. Everyone loved him and his gruff humour. Then his wife died, and somehow Michael never could make up for the loss, even though he followed in his fathers footsteps. His friend Harry always outshone him. Bumptious and brilliant Harry was aiming for the top. Then the Second World War made him. No one could hold a candle to Harry. However, there is one young rival who is watching and biding her time. She is acknowledging his ambition and ability as her own, and that is Michael's daughter, Mel.