[1] The small ocean town of Sealey Head has long been haunted by a phantom bell that tolls as evening falls.

Ridley Dow, a scholar from the city, comes to investigate the mystery, and sets up residence at the old inn owned by Judd Cauley and his ailing father.

To aid Ridley, Judd enlists the help of his friend and love-interest Gwyneth Blair, a merchant's daughter who writes her own stories to explain the bell.

On the other side of town is the ancient manor Aislinn House, whose owner, Lady Eglantyne, lies dying.

After a great deal of searching, Judd is eventually able to replace the inn's ill-reputed cook Mrs. Quinn with the recently-arriving Mr. Pilchard.