is a historical novel published in 1912 by the English priest and writer Robert Hugh Benson (1871–1914), a convert to Catholicism from Anglicanism.

Set in Derbyshire at the time of the Elizabethan persecution of Catholics, when being or harbouring a priest was considered treason and was punishable with death, it tells the story of two young lovers who give up their chance of happiness together, choosing instead to face imprisonment and martyrdom, so that God's will may be done.

Robin is unwilling, and his fiancée, Marjorie Manners, urges him to leave the area for Easter, to avoid the situation.

That night, unable to sleep, Robin hears the noise of horses and sees Mr. Simpson setting out with two other men.

The sight of the priest risking his life to serve God and bring consolation to souls inspires Robin to make the decision against which he has been fighting.

Two years later, Anthony Babington visits Marjorie and tells her that he must go to London to meet a priest called Ballard.

In London, Marjorie meets Edmund Campion, one of the most hunted priests in the kingdom, famous for his preaching.

Campion explains his position of mixing boldly with the crowd to avoid suspicion, rather than hiding behind locked doors.

He takes the group to see the Tower of London and the notorious priest-hunter and torturer Richard Topcliffe.

Campion discusses the content of his forthcoming pamphlet, "Decem Rationes" ("Ten Reasons"), against the validity of the Anglican Church.

Marjorie asks Robin for prayers and advice, wondering if she should leave the country and become a nun upon her mother's death.

When her mother's condition worsens, Marjorie tells her that there is no priest and urges her to make an Act of Contrition.

Robin, now a priest, returns to England and meets Anthony Babington, who confides to him the details of the enterprise he had hinted at before.

Marjorie hopes to visit him to encourage him to remain firm, but her friends urge her not to, lest she draw attention to herself and endanger her work in harbouring priests.

He sees Marjorie and urges her not to leave the country to become a nun, but rather to serve God by remaining in England and continuing to assist priests.

A large crowd gathers for the execution, as the exciting story of the young priest, taken by his own father in the house of his former fiancée, draws far more interest than an ordinary hanging.

Old Mr. Audrey is believed to be still ill, not having fully recovered from his fit, and there are rumours that Marjorie will be present at the execution.

Robin makes a final speech, proclaiming his innocence of treason, and praying for Queen Elizabeth.

No dates are given in the book, but the story begins in winter shortly after 26 December, St Stephen's Day, on which Robin's father declared his intention to leave the Catholic Church.

Part II begins in autumn, two years after Robin has gone to Rheims, and Marjorie goes to London around Christmas time.

The following summer, when Hugh (Nicholas) Owen is working on hiding places at Padley and in Marjorie's house, people talk of the recent executions of Mr. Ford, Mr. Shert, and Mr. Johnson.

When Robin arrives back in England as a newly ordained priest, it is just days before the arrest of Anthony Babington, which took place in August 1586.