Act 1
The drama begins in the bustling environment of Johnny-The-Priest's saloon, situated in New York City during an autumn afternoon. Here, we meet barge captain Chris Christopherson as he receives an unexpected letter from his daughter, Anna. She is coming to visit, despite the fact that Chris hasn’t laid eyes on her since she was a mere child living in Sweden. Anna's mother had moved her to Minnesota to live with relatives on a farm when Chris's seafaring life kept him away. Chris reflects on this decision, believing it spared Anna from the "ole davil, sea" and from knowing a father like himself.

Anna’s Arrival

While Chris steps out for provisions, Anna enters the bar, exhibiting "all the outward evidences of belonging to the world’s oldest profession." She confidently requests a whiskey with ginger ale, addressing the bartender with a bold, "And don’t be stingy, baby." Over her drink, she shares snippets of her past with Marthy, a woman who has been living on Chris's barge. Anna recounts how a police raid led her from jail to the hospital back in Saint Paul. She explains that she sought out her father for respite, although she doesn’t expect much, given her experiences with men, whom she feels "give you a kick when you're down." Anna’s life on the farm was harsh due to her cousins’ relentless labor demands, and she fled after being raped by a relative. Seeking independence, Anna worked as a nanny in Saint Paul but soon drifted into prostitution. The reunion with Chris is strained but hopeful as he is elated that Anna agrees to stay on the barge.

The Transformation at Sea

Act 2
Ten days pass, and Anna finds herself aboard the barge "Simeon Winthrop," docked in Provincetown harbor. She appears rejuvenated and "transformed," admitting to Chris that she has developed an affection for the sea. This revelation angers Chris, who fears that the sea will corrupt her. Despite his concerns, Anna insists the sea has a purifying effect on her, making her feel "clean." Chris is haunted by the thought of Anna marrying a sailor and enduring the solitude once suffered by her mother.

Unexpected Romance

That same evening brings an unforeseen event when four shipwrecked sailors are saved. Among them is Mat Burke, who shares a drink with Anna, sparking an instant connection. Anna impresses Mat with her assertive demeanor, resisting his advances, prompting him to declare his intention to marry her. However, when Chris discovers their budding relationship, he is infuriated and vows to keep them apart.

Confrontations and Revelations

Act 3
Chris attempts to deter Anna from pursuing Mat, arguing that Mat would be a disastrous husband. Anna, however, counters that she feels "it’s me ain’t good enough for him." An argument escalates between Chris and Mat over Anna's future, leading to a physical altercation, which Mat quickly dominates. Despite her love for Mat, Anna insists she cannot marry him. Feeling objectified like "a piece of furniture," Anna erupts and reveals her past to both men. Her confession leads Chris into "a stupor of despair" and Mat to become "livid with rage," both overwhelmed by judgment. Anna blames Chris's abandonment for her descent into prostitution and pleads with Mat, declaring that she loves him too much to deceive him. Although Mat initially perceives himself as a fool, Anna's insistence on her transformation, spurred by the sea and her love for him, urges her to beg Mat not to walk away. Yet, Mat departs in anger, promising never to return, while Chris resolves to force Mat into marriage with Anna, blaming the...