Richard Herncastle joins his Uncle Nick, a great illusionist, on the music hall stage. The year is 1913.
Richard is unwittingly involved in Uncle Nick's scheme to help the suffragette movement, although his personal thoughts are taken up with his love for Nancy Ellis.
Despite warnings from Varvara and Cissie, Richard's passion for Julia remains unchecked until Christmas Day. What can he say to Nancy?
Richard continues to disregard warnings about his love for Julie and when Julie takes a love nest near Shepherd's Market, disaster seems inevitable. Uncle Nick pursues his own revenge, and finds the need for another dwarf.
Richard encounters the strange relationship of Lily Farris and her accompanist Otto Mergen. He also received an apology from Julie and some insight into Nancy's behaviour.
A body has been discovered at the Palace Theatre, but who is the killer? Richard visits Blackpool and meets some new girls, but he has never been lonelier. Mr Tewby arrives for the "two-dwarf" effect and Doris joins the Ganga Din act.
As war is declared and the identity of Nonie Coleman's killer is discovered, Richard and Nick have a sad parting as Richard goes to France with his regiment. Here he is reunited with Peggy.
