The discovery of an abandoned baby seal on the desolate Norfolk coastline of England in the 1930's brings Rowena, an orphaned girl, together with Miriam, her recluse aunt, when the seal's playfulness and pup antics break down barriers in their new relationship. Then Rowena turns their small cottage into a refuge for an assorted menagerie of wildlife, attracting the attention of a Canadian naturalist who becomes interested in Aunt Miriam as well.