According to Alexander Greene's novel of the same name.

Orphan Tirrei Davenant works as a waiter at the Causeway, owned by Adam Kishlot. One day, the daughters of urban philanthropist Futrose Roen and Ellie come here. They are approached by the collector of street folk Orth Galeran, who asks the girls to arrange the fate of the boy, for which Futroz enthusiastically undertakes. However, Tirre's drunkard Frank's father suddenly appears. The tramp ends up locking up his son, and he goes to demand money from the rich. Futrose ceases to communicate with the boy.