The year is 1687. Kit Tyler is a young orphan who grew up with her Grandfather in Barbados. She lived a very free and happy life in that sunny land. When her grandfather died, she is left alone and penniless at the age of sixteen. The only choice she has is to go to America, where her aunt lived. Without advising them, she boarded a ship to take her to Connecticut to her aunt and uncle's home. She is heading for the town of Wethersfield.

Aboard ship, she is well-treated by Captain Eaton and his wife, who take the young girl under their wings. Their son Nat is just a little older than Kit and a very lively young man. Her other fellow passengers are Mr. and Mrs. Cruff and their daughter Prudence, and John Holbrook, a serious and studious young man.

At one point, little Prudence's...