Make or Break; or, The Rich Man's Daughter

The narrative follows industrious youths whose resourcefulness and moral choices determine their fortunes amid family rivalries and social ambition. A pragmatic boy develops a workshop enterprise that grows from small entertainments into profitable ventures, while a devoted young woman endures social pressures tied to wealth and pedigree. Interwoven scenes show household disputes, a vain gentleman, a bustling barber shop, business negotiations, letters from abroad, a contested deed, and unexpected rewards that reshape circumstances. Themes emphasize perseverance, honesty, and self-sacrifice as characters encounter setbacks, recover through ingenuity, and confront the consequences of pride and generosity.