Richard Hall is a successful writer, while his wife, Alice, is interested in pursuing a career as a singer. She meets James Hamilton, a musical agent, who arranges an opera engagement with Rimini, an impresario. Hall quarrels with his wife over this, and they separate, with Hall taking their daughter Grace.

Hannes Lombard is a medical doctor who was struck off the roll for substance abuse. He takes refuge on a farm in northern Natal, where his farming efforts are unsuccessful. Buks, his godson is sent to live with him. He’s quite happy to swop city life for a carefree life on the farm with new playmates in a new school. He and Sproetie, the neighbours’ little girl soon become great friends and their laid-back existence becomes even more idyllic when Hannes gives them each a horse. But the serpent sneaks into paradise. Lelik, Buks’s dog startles Sproetie’s horse, who throws her. The fall leaves Sproetie paralysed, and Buks is consumed by selfreproach. But it is old Willem, the farmhand, and his simple wisdom who makes life bearable again for everyone.

A Confederate officer is called off to war. He leaves his wife and daughter in the care of George, his faithful Negro servant. After the officer is killed in battle, George continues in his caring duties, faithful to his trust.