Emma is a romantic idealist. Suffering from a breakup in London, she becomes director of the Hollister Foundation in Beauport, MA. Vernon, an old flame, follows her and joins the fishing community alarmed by trawling in the Georges Bank. Emma discovers an aged folk sculptor whose unknown cemetery monuments to his ancient family astonish her. Determined to bring his work to light, she offends the Foundation and must make a painful choice. Because of a rash judgment, she brings disaster down on the sculptor. Ultimately, she dedicates herself to saving his work for posterity and making her own life over again with hope for a true renewal.