Diamond wasn't always a star. Born to penniless parents who longed for a strong, healthy son, she was a dainty, delicate daughter - and a bitter disappointment. Discovering she has an extraordinary natural gift for acrobatics, Diamond tries to use her talent to earn a few pennies, but simply brings shame on her family. Then a mysterious, cruel-eyed stranger spots her performing on the street, and makes a deal with her father. Diamond is sold for five guineas, and is taken, alone and frightened, to become an acrobat at Tanglefield's Travelling Circus.