The story begins with the arrival of Nat Blake, a shy young orphan with a fibbing habit, at Plumfield, the school run by Professor Bhaer and Mrs. Josephine Bhaer (née March). Nat charms the ten other boys attending the school, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bhaer, with fiddle skills learned from his father. Mrs. Bhaer shares with him that every Sunday, she reviews each student’s behavior and whether they were good or they disappointed her that week. Nat resolves to make her proud.