Young artistic Audra Kenton and her brothers are left orphaned, penniless and homeless on the death of their mother. Audra struggles to get on at the Fever Hospital, but later meets and falls in love with the dashing Vincent Crowther. Christina is born and Audra is intent on only the best education for her. Vincent, deprived of Audra's affection, enlists in the Navy as World War II approaches.

On his return from the war, Vincent discovers his daughter has blossomed into a beautiful young woman and, thanks to natural talent and Audra's perseverance, is an excellent artist. Christina is accepted into the prestigious Royal Academy in London and Audra secretly bears the financial strain.