The story of the two differing lives of fraternal twins Mickey and Eddie, separated by a secret pact between Mrs Johnston, their mother and Mrs Lyons, her employer, is told.

How chance has thrown them together through the years, from the moment they swear their allegiance as boyhood ‘blood brothers’ and into adulthood.    Their family lives could not be more different, Mrs Johnston a struggling single parent raises Micky with his numerous elder siblings.  Mrs Lyons a housewife, whose husband works away and who cannot have children of her own, cherishes her Edward who is given nothing but the best.  She is determined that the circumstances of the boys’ birth should be kept from him, fearing the consequences.

The childhood pursuits, give way to teenage longings and love for a girl called Linda.  Eddie’s life moves on with success.  Mickey and Linda struggle to make ends meet.  As they mature, the differences between Eddie and Mickey become more marked.  Eddie reaches out to help.  Mickey resents his interference and his lasting friendship with Linda.

In a final, dramatic confrontation involving the mothers, the truth comes out and the boys’ fate is sealed.