At the age of 14, Susan Wood is left with two younger brothers while her father is sent to prison for forgery. She works for her neighbors, Martin Gill and his wife, who do their best to help the children. When his wife dies, Martin finds work for Susan at the Mermaid Inn and then abandons her there. Susan survives but dislikes town life and eventually takes a job as a cook with Andrew Jordan, the solicitor responsible for her father's trouble. Meanwhile, Martin Gill keeps his distance. He loves Susan, but feels that he is too old for her. Can Susan clear the family name and achieve happiness?