Thomas Edwards, a widower, has a son who needs special help to make his First Communion. Son, Willie, is suffering with Cerebral Palsy, known as Little's Disease in 1885. Only teacher successful teaching Willie leaves and a family friend suggests tutor from Philadelphia, who has been successful with another child like Willie. Thomas' hopes are dashed when he and the friend learn teacher is Clare Willows, a woman from Thomas' troubled and tragic past. Years before, Thomas in a vain attempt to help Clare's brother, hunted by the law, had mistakenly killed him instead. Determined to keep pledge...