Anna, is caught between two different worlds. We witness her struggle to come to terms with an alien world, as she tries to remember what her father taught her. She is confronted by pain and sadness from her sister-in-law, and sexual hostility from the man who manages the family mill.

Anna, is torn between her life in the convent and trying to save her brother's failing business. She also has to face her own physical and emotional desires in her relationship with Hal, the foreman at the family mill.

The outside world becomes more alarming as Anna, has to deal with the banks in her desperate efforts to save the mill. She discovers that men are beginning to perceive her more as a woman than a nun.

Anna, is driven back to the convent by a frightening sexual encounter, only to realize that she no longer belongs there. She asks for a release from her vows to undertake the responsibility of the family business.

Anna, with everyone's help, manages to secure the future of the family mill in spite of efforts to sabotage her work. Anna returns to the convent to sign the papers which will release her and walks out of the convent gates for the last time to face her future.