Waking in a stranger's body after a time jump, a woman realizes she's been labeled an 'evil married woman' accused of selling her daughters. She is weak; her Spring ring transferred with her and can be used once daily to restore strength. Four daughters—Cathy, Helen, Jessie and Betty—eat in secret, resentful that their mother's gambling drained the household and warn they will stop any attempt to sell their sisters. Drinking detoxifying water eases her weakness. She decides to recover with the ring and 'see what I can do tomorrow,' leaving whether she can prevent more sales unresolved.