Chandra Wardell, daughter of a world-renowned Sanskrit scholar, learns that her father has been commissioned to journey to Nepal to search for an ancient manuscript. Chandra is thrilled--till she discovers that the invitation, extended by staunch woman-hater Lord Frome, does not include her. When Chandra's father suffers a mild heart attack, Chandra, who knows every aspect of her father's work, decided to take his place! She endures the difficult mountain journey... proves her scholarly proficiency... and ultimately falls in love!

Chandra heard Lord Frome's footsteps and the light came nearer as he moved down the dark passageway. He put first the candlem then the pistol back on the table and without warning, pulled her roughly against him. his lips came down on hers and helf her captive. Suddenly Chandra felt a wild rapture that was inexpressible, rising up through her body from her breast into her lips.

"This is love, she thought, "love as I always knew it would be... Yet how? Lord Frome despised her.

"I have hated women for so long," he whispered, "that I did not know how different you were, how very, very different, my precious one. I have been fighting frantically against admitting it... even to myself... but I have loved you for a long time!"