Hazel Woodus is a innocent gypsy girl living in the woods in the company of the wounded animals in her rural surroundings. Unfortunately for Hazel, she is not blessed with the presence in her life of a partner who can share both the physical and spiritual aspects of life with her. Her innocent exuberance catches the eye of the kindly minister, Edward Marston, and the cruel squire, Jack Reddin. She eventually marries Edward, but their love remains unconsummated as Edward feels he must preserve her innocence and suppress his own desires. But Hazel has desires of her own which she doesn't understand, and she starts finding herself drawn to Reddin's power and virility.