This is a tale of a loyal woman's love, a child's worship, and a youth's admiration all of which were required to soften the adamant and intolerant nature of Martyn Royce. Even then, this was not accomplished until the death of the child, Jim Cavendish. Royce was persuaded to forgive his former best friend Wilfred Cavendish for a slight wrong which the latter did him in the thoughtlessness of impetuous youth. Clare, Martyn's wife, is doubted by her husband and she, too proud to explain the innocent circumstances, suffers silently, until Martyn, unable to bear the difference between them, begs a reconciliation. His love for her is so great that he demands no explanation, and eventually finds "Splendid Joy," which is happiness. "Splendid Joy" is an exquisite love-story treating of a wonderful woman's tenderness and love, of a man, stern and determined, but of a high character, willing to sacrifice himself and everyone around him for a principle.