Charity Royall, born among outcasts, she is rescued by lawyer Royall and lives with him as his ward in a small New England village. Never allowed to forget her disreputable origins, Charity rebels against the stifling dullness of the tight-knit community surrounding her. But the good looks and sophistication of a visiting architect arouse Charity's passionate nature. As their relationship grows, so too does Charity's conflict with her guardian.