Set in rural Ireland during the 1740s and 1750s. Willie Reilly is a young Catholic who rescues a Protestant squire who, in thanks, introduces his saviour to his daughter Helen. The Catholic/ Protestant love story develops while debate goes on among liberal and reactionary Protestants as to the social role of the Catholic community.

Reilly is implicated in a robbery but is wrongfully charged, yet because of the spirit of union between Catholic and Protestant he is able finally to win Helen, although he is exiled from Ireland for a number of years.