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On a dreary, snowy morning in 1919 Indiana, Hannah Parmalee arrives at the Ward home. She quickly assesses the Ward family's financial struggle and agrees to take on domestic duties in exchange for room and board. Her calm, practical wisdom steadies a household teetering on the edge of poverty.

Hannah convinces Mr. Ward to clear space in the basement for his work by selling old and useless furniture to raise capital. They set up a workshop in the basement where Ward can pursue his invention. This marks a shift from improvised repairs to serious engineering.

Ward agrees to take Peter Trimble, his teenage neighbor and student, as an assistant, encouraged by Hannah's belief in his potential. Peter admires Ward's intellect, while Sally's crush on him adds a layer of complexity. Hannah channels her motherly instincts into mentoring Peter's ambition.

Peter demonstrates Ward's iceless icebox to Joe and Bill Ellis and other local mechanics. The brothers steal the design and patent it, depriving Ward of potential profits. Peter feels guilty and worries about his role in the controversy.

Ward questions Peter about the theft, and Peter lies to protect the truth. The lie strains the trust between mentor and student. Ward's faith in Peter begins to waver as consequences mount.

Sally contracts pneumonia, turning the household's worry toward her health. Hannah's steady presence helps keep morale up, while Ward redoubles his efforts in the workshop to secure a future for the family. The illness tests both family bonds and resolve.

Hannah urges Ward to forgive Peter, arguing for the value of second chances. Ward refines the invention, adding a better feature that moves it closer to an electric home refrigerator. The crisis strengthens family bonds and renews hope in their venture.

Sally recovers from pneumonia and, with Marcia, departs on a trip with the baby. The departure removes a constant worry but deepens the emotional strain on Ward and Hannah. Ward continues to push forward with his invention in their absence.

Thomas Bradford, a wealthy Chicago businessman, arrives to discuss financing for Ward's invention. The meeting raises the stakes, turning Ward's dream into a potential commercial venture. Ward weighs how this investment could change their lives.

In a tense moment, Hannah tells Ward that Peter Trimble is her son, born out of wedlock and given up years before. Sam Trimble had adopted him, but Bradford is the boy's biological father. The revelation reshapes Ward's view of Peter and casts a new light on the boy's loyalties.

Bradford learns that Peter is his son and considers claiming him. He weighs paternal rights against the stability Peter has found with his adoptive family. Hannah's discovery adds emotional tension to the negotiations.

Hannah pleads with Bradford to avoid revealing Peter's true paternity to him. She believes it is best for Peter to grow up with his current family while pursuing his own path. Bradford reluctantly agrees, recognizing the delicate balance at stake.

Satisfied with the kind of man Peter has become, Hannah prepares to leave. She departs without Peter, who remains under the impression that his adoptive parents are his biological ones. The wintry landscape underscores the bittersweet, unresolved turn of the story.