The movie begins in April 1904 at the Mount Bedford home. Samantha is running away from Eddie Ryland and quickly climbs a tree to get away. Eddie locates her up the tree and says that she's so dumb she probably thinks three times four is twelve. Samantha says that three times four is twelve and that if he doesn't leave her alone she'll take his money jar and dump it in the river near their home. Eddie says she's too dumb to find it. Samantha is about to retort, but loses her balance and falls out of the tree. Eddie turns to laugh at her as she gets to her feet with a torn stocking and messy clothing; she begins to chase him again. Eddie runs up to his house just as a carriage pulls up to the Ryland home with Nellie, her father, and her two sisters. Samantha asks who they are as Mr. O'Malle