Martin James battles a lifetime of mixed messages from societyarespect for his fatheras wealth but contempt for his motheras Native American heritage. Agnes Day has been raised by an idealistic minister who determined that bringing Christianity to the Native Americans was his calling. After a short time in the Northwest Territory, their paths literally collide; Martin finds Agnes running from her parentsa burning homestead that had been raided by Indians. During the long journey back to Philadelphia, they begin a genuine friendship, but when they reenter society, Agnesa innocent acceptance of her fatheras ideals comes under attack, and Martinas bitter memories of past experiences cloud his judgment. Eventually each must determine the worth of a man, independent of family and society. Set against the backdrop of a very young United States, postwar politics weave in and out of the coupleas lives, providing danger and hidden motives that complicate their relationship further.