 Joan Shepherd and her daughter, Anna May, plan to go to a local dance so Anna May can meet a wealthy young man, such as Steven Rogers, son of a wealthy rancher. An arranged marriage would be acceptable to Mr. Rogers, but Anna May detests Steven. She has eyes for Newly O Brien. A poor neighboring farmer, Orlo Baker, would like to court Anna May, but Joan finds the thought laughable. Chester Shepherd, Joan s son, is interested in a young woman, whom Joan characterizes as a trollop. Joan recalls a young man from her own youth who rode a fine yellow horse, which epitomizes her goal for her children. The tensions threaten to tear the family apart.