Mary is struggling against overwhelming odds, to build a life for herself and her children in Craigs Falls. Now that she has recovered from the shock of her husband's death, she feels instinctively, that she will find contentment only by breaking completely with the past. Although her income has gone, she refuses Dr John Benson's offer of marriage and security, because she doesn't love him, and declares that she will find a job and support her children. Yesterday brought hope, followed by cruel disappointment to Mary...