Christine, French prostitute, escapes from wartime Ostend and sets herself up in business in London. Though a refugee, she demands no pity; she is self-sufficient, practical and realistic. Christine is savvy businesswoman, doing the best she can with the opportunities life has given her.

Arnold Bennett was an English writer and journalist. Bennett's novels and much of Bennett's non-fiction work has stood the test of time. One of his most popular non-fiction works, which is still read to this day, is the self-help book How to Live on 24 Hours a Day.