Mairi and Sandy live on a lonely Hebridean island, content with each other, despite their lack of children. When Mairi brings home Thomas, a child from the orphanage, Sandy is jealous of Mairi's affection for him and disappointed in the boy's stammer and fragility. With time, Thomas grows in confidence and draws nearer to his foster mother, but still Sandy keeps and emotional distance--"until tragedy results in a new understanding.