A chance encounter unites Russell with Veronica Beaconsfield, an old Oxford acquaintance who is worried about her former fiancé, Miles Fitzwarren, a returned soldier and drug addict. Veronica introduces Russell to the well-financed New Temple in God and its leader, the enigmatic, charismatic Margery Childe, who preaches empowerment of women.
Russell encounters an old Oxford friend, Veronica Beaconsfield, who is troubled about her ex-fiancé, Miles Fitzwarren, a war veteran struggling with addiction. Veronica then introduces Russell to the affluent New Temple in God and its influential leader, Margery Childe, who inspires women through her message.