Little Jane Shaw and her brother Alfie know more than children should about the tougher side of life. After their father's tragic death, the Brownlow hill Workhouse in the heart of Liverpool's slums is the only refuge their mam Ellen has. When Ellen also dies, the youngsters have only each other to depend on. Jane's opportunity to make good comes when she gets a job in the Empire Laundry and is given a home by her mother's old friend Ada Ellis, whose son Joe Jane has been fond of since childhood. When Joe breaks her heart, Jane throws herself into her work, and soon she's notices by the owner of the laundry, James Davenport. Alfie's a constant worry to her, though. Drawn into criminal activity by the promise of easy pickings, he's on a dangerous path.
