The story, as summarised by Jeffrey, is as follows: "The hero is a young man of aspiring genius and enthusiastic temper with an ardent love of virtue, but no settled principles either of conduct or opinion.

He first conceives an attachment for an amiable girl, who is captivated with his conversation; but, being too poor to marry, soon comes to spend more of his time in the family of an elderly sceptic of his acquaintance, who had recently married a young wife, and placed unbounded confidence in her virtue, and the honour of his friend.

In a moment of temptation they abuse this confidence.

The husband renounces him with dignified composure; and he falls at once from the romantic pride of his virtue.

He then seeks the company of the dissipated and gay, and ruins his health and fortune without regaining his tranquillity.