When the copper mines of Cornwall began to close down at the end of the 1870s, many men left for the golden land of Australia, intending to earn enough money to bring their families out. Sam Hooper was one such emigrant, but he had to leave his love behind - Emily - because her vicar father didn't consider him good enough for her. But Emily was not to be thwarted and when her father dies after a stroke and she learns she will be thrown out of the vicarage, she decides to go to Australia and hunt down Sam. Accompanied by Margaret and her two sons looking for their man, Charlie, they arrive at Kadina. Margaret discovers Charlie has fallen into bad ways and Emily hears Sam is married to a girl he met on his ship out. Emily throws herself into good works - saving prostitutes and starts to win them over just as she learns Sam ISN'T married and has done quite well for himself in gold prospecting...