"Harley Street doctor Sir Colenso Ridgeon's revolutionary tuberculosis treatment remains experimental and his resources restricted to ten selected patients.

The arrival of the striking and persuasive Jennifer Dubedat, desperate to save the life of her brilliant artist husband, nevertheless prompts Ridgeon to invite the young couple to a dinner where he and his colleagues may assess the merits of the case. Beguiled by the charismatic Dubedat and his lovely wife, they concur that his is a life worth saving, even at the expense of another. Yet no sooner are the medics congratulating themselves n their decision, than they are confronted by Dubedat's questionable morality.

Meanwhile, their impoverished colleague Blenkinsop, the most worthy but least exceptional of the lot, reveals himself in dire need of treatment."