This novel tells the story of Portia James who loves dancing. At age 16, Portia is betrothed to Wilmer James' business partner, John Morrisson. Willer James made John Morrisson promise not to appear in Portia's presence until she had completed her twenty-first year. She falls in love with Harry Tolhurst while visiting a gallery. What happens to Portia when her betrothed shows up on her twenty-first?

'A Sydney Sovereign And Other Tales' is a short story collection penned by Tasma, a pseudonym used by the Australian author Jessie Catherine Couvreur. There are five stories to be found inside this book, bearing the following titles: 'A Sydney Sovereign', 'How a Claim Was Nearly Jumped in Gum-Tree Gully', 'Barren Love', 'A Philanthropist's Experiment', and 'Monsieur Caloche'.