"Hester: A Story of Contemporary Life, Volume 3 (of 3)" by Mrs. Oliphant is a novel published in 1883. The story follows the Vernon family and their banking house across generations. When young Hester returns to Redborough, she encounters Catherine Vernon, the formidable woman who once saved the family bank from ruin. As romantic entanglements develop and business tensions rise, the sins of Hester's father cast long shadows. Edward's growing discontent with Catherine threatens everything, leading to betrayal that forces unexpected alliances to preserve the Vernon legacy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)