An orphaned girl brings sunshine to the gloomy house inhabited by her uncle who had quarreled with her mother and his own son. She earns a living as a teacher, falls in love, and marries him - making a place for her crusty uncle in their home. Her husband's invalid father is discovered to be her uncle's son - so all is resolved over three New Year's Days. Slow thawing of frozen trust and love stressed. (PB)