It takes place in the small New England town of Tuckerton during the early years of the nineteenth century. Esmeralda is expelled from the church coral group because she sings a tuneful melody in the choir. Embarrassed and deeply hurt Esmeralda withdraws from society and stops going to church. She is making plans to leave town when an unexpected ally turns up.

The adventures of law student Bellamy Partridge's at school and his quest to wed Judy Dwinelle.