Judgement Day
Life in the City
To satisfy the children's growing curiosity about the world outside of Cutter Gap, Christy explains about life in a city using her home in Asheville as a model. Using pine cones, Christy illustrates the number of houses that exist in the city and the distance between them. When Christy mentions some of the different kinds of stores in the city, Zady ponders her decision to leave Asheville. Christy explains that she loves teaching and helping others and tells the children that Dr. Ferrand has missions in sixteen other settlements. When Becky asks if Christy has ever seen Dr. Ferrand, Burl tells her that no one can see God until they are dead. David enters the schoolhouse as Christy is trying unsuccessfully to explain to the children that Dr. Ferrand and God are two separate beings. Christy begs for his assistance in clearing up the children's confusion, and David obliges by telling the children that one is a large, powerful being with a booming voice and great knowledge while the other one is God. He exits, leaving Christy to straighten out the mess . . .
Extra Postage Required
Mr. Pentland delivers Christy a letter and a wagon full of donations from Nathan Stone in Asheville. Christy is especially excited about the included telephone equipment from the Asheville Telephone and Telegraph Company. She shows David the letter and tells him that the donations were the result of her prayers. Christy explains to a curious Burl that the telephone line will allow people to talk to each other over long distances . . .
A Worthy Cause
That night, Christy decides to write to other members of her church to ask for more donations of clothing, books, and household items . . .
Labor of Love
After writing her letters, Christy wanders outside where David is reviewing the contents of the delivery. When he tells Christy that it will take a small army to hook up the telephone equipment, she apologizes for bringing him the extra work. Christy thinks that David is just wonderful when he tells her that he'll find a way to do it . . .
Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better
Miss Alice returns from Cataleechie to find David and Jeb stringing telephone wire. When David tells her that the other helpers disappeared, Miss Alice volunteers her services. David is worried about her age, but Miss Alice tries to assuage his doubts with a speech about equality. Miss Alice braces a pole as Jeb and David try to raise it. The pole slips and crushes Miss Alice against a tree . . .
The Awakening of Alice
Miss Alice is taken back to the mission where she remains unconscious for several hours. Upon awakening she cannot remember her journey to Cataleechee until Christy reminds her that she has already visited the town. Neil tells the lady that she was lucky and that aside from a couple of broken ribs, she has a wound that should heal if it is kept clean . . .
Terrible Timing
Christy looks forward to more donations from Asheville as she awaits Miss Alice's recovery. Her waiting is rewarded by another visit from Mr. Pentland, whom Christy refers to as St. Nick. Mr. Pentland is not amused and doesn't think that it is fitting for a United States mailman to be hauling such a load. The children rummage through the trunks, looking at the beautiful hats and dresses. As Christy places a fancy topper on her head, a man arrives on horseback. When she asks him if he requires assistance, he identifies himself as Dr. Jacob Ferrand, director of the mission . . .
Chicken Soup for the Heart
On his way up the stairs to Alice's room, Dr. Ferrand overhears the woman's refusal to eat a bowl of soup. He takes the tray from Ida in the hallway, motioning for her to keep quiet about his arrival. Alice is surprised to see her old friend and tells him that she feels bruised but otherwise fine. When Jacob expresses his concern over David's absence, Miss Alice explains that the minister is busy and that the world doesn't stop because of her. Dr. Ferrand joins Miss Alice as she begins to read a poem aloud from her book. As he quotes the lines from the poem, he feeds Miss Alice a spoonful of soup, which the lady dutifully swallows . . .
Coffee, Tea, and Dr. Ferrand
After dinner, Dr. Ferrand asks Christy how her parents feel about her presence in Cutter Gap. Christy admits that they worry about her and Jacob says it's an arduous life for the unprepared. David tells the doctor that the donations are from Christy's family and friends but Jacob wonders if the items weren't solicited. After David explains that the donations were a result of Christy's prayers Christy admits that she did write a few letters to the people in Asheville explaining the great need in Cutter Gap. Dr. Ferrand admonishes her, explaining that a donation isn't blessed if a person lacks an inner conviction to give. When David tries to defend her actions, Jacob reprimands him for neglecting the spiritual needs of the community while he is performing manual labor. Perhaps David should reexamine his priorities . . .
Unfitting Gesture
David receives permission from Dr. Ferrand to finish stringing the telephone wire. Before entering the schoolhouse, Christy turns and sees Dr. Ferrand watching her. Inside the children pour over the contents of the donations. Christy shows the children the shoes and tells them to choose a pair. Little Burl tells her that he can't accept the shoes as they are charity. Sam Houston chimes in and says that his family won't be beholden' to anyone . . .
Cash, Check or Chicken
After school, Christy tells Ruby Mae about her distress over not being able to help Burl and the others. Ruby Mae offers her services in return for all kindness Christy has shown her. Christy tells Ruby that the best way to repay a kindness is to help someone else. As Christy reaches the mission, she sees Neil and Dr. Ferrand, who is repairing a window. Jacob tells her that he was unable to visit her class due to the neglected repair work around the mission that he has to attend to. Neil senses that Christy seems different and assumes that it has to do with the children. When Christy enquires about Alice' condition, Neil informs her that she and Jacob will have to care for the lady tomorrow as he will be out of town. Christy walks away at the mention of Jacobs' name and Neil realizes that it is Dr. Ferrand that is affecting her. When Christy admits that she isn't getting along with the man, Neil sympathizes with her, admitting that he never liked the doctor himself. Christy tells Neil that she was reprimanded for accepting solicitations and now she cannot get the people to accept the items. Neil reminds her that he once warned her about the mountain people and their feelings about charity. Christy can't understand their attitude especially when a little boy like Burl has to come to school with bleeding feet because he has no shoes. Neil tells Christy that the people's Scottish heritage prevents them from believing in gifts and mentions several instances when he was paid in livestock and vegetables. A light bulb turns on in Christy's head and she smiles and thanks the doctor for his help . . .
The Barter Store
Christy tells Ruby Mae that they are going to open a store and use the donated items as merchandise. When Ruby Mae notes that most of the people in Cutter Gap don't have a lot of cash, Christy explains that they will be able to trade for their purchases. Christy tells Ruby Mae that she is in charge of the project but the girl is afraid that she will let Ms. Huddleston down. Christy tells her that she can't let fear run her life. When Ruby Mae points out that Ms. Huddleston isn't afraid of anything, Christy tells her about her fear of the dark . . .
Bad Barter Day
The barter store is open for business but no one shows up. Christy is upset that Burl won't get his shoes and wonders what Dr. Ferrand will say when he hears about her lack of customers. David returns from another day of stringing phone line with a cut on his arm. David explains that the injury occurred when the line slipped and feels it could have been prevented if he had had more help from the men in the cove. He's reached his limited and wonders if the people of Cutter Gap have souls worth saving. Dr. Ferrand overhears and berates David for speaking in that manner. Christy explains that David is just tired but Jacob feels that is no excuse. He tells Christy that the mission is about faith not about making improvements in Cutter Gap. He and Alice have dedicated their lives to that cause and he won't stand by and allow Christy to destroy it . . .
A Revealing Conversation
Christy pays Miss Alice a visit and expresses her frustrations with Dr. Ferrand. She tells Alice that the man doesn't like her but Miss Alice says he dislikes her methods not her person. Miss Alice is not in the mood for a chat session but Christy presses her for help. When Christy expresses the desire to be good and strong like Alice, the lady tells Ms. Huddleston not to put her on a pedestal anymore. She instructs Christy to close the door and begins to tell her the story of her illegitimate child. Christy doesn't want to listen but Alice refuses to be her idol any longer. She tells Christy how she believed in someone so strongly that she allowed passion and false faith to sweep away her good judgement. She became pregnant, bore and raised the child herself. She tells Christy that neither her nor Jacob is perfect for perfection belongs to God. When Christy enquires as to the whereabouts of her daughter, Miss Alice informs her that her daughter is dead. Christy leaves as Miss Alice loses herself in her memories . . .
A Vested Interest
Uncle Bogg pays a visit to the barter store at Ruby Mae's request. Ruby informs Bogg that as the town squire, he should be the first visitor to the store. Bogg looks around and admires a red, plaid vest. Ruby Mae urges him to try it on and he smiles as he catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror. When he hands Ruby Mae a possum as a trade for the vest, Ruby Mae informs him that the creature is still alive. Bogg tells her that a fresh kill is for two trades and he only requires one . . .
Piano by Post
Christy sees Dr. Ferrand carrying an armful of wood and offers to help. She tells him about the sale at the barter store but Jacob shows little enthusiasm and tells her that the store is the least of his concerns. He informs her that repairs around the mission are being neglected because David is involved in an ill-timed massive construction job and Miss Alice is ailing in her bed with no qualified nurse for fifty miles. Miss Ida sees Ben Pentland arriving with another delivery and politely points it out to the twosome. When Ben informs Christy that the piano is the last straw, Christy tells Jacob that she didn't ask for it. Jacob tells her that she must sow what she reaps but Christy wonders if the piano could be God's will. As the two quibble, Ruby Mae rushes outside and informs everyone that Miss Alice is burning up with fever . . .
A Turn for The Worse
Dr. Ferrand informs Christy that the delirious Alice has developed tetanus. Dr. Ferrand prepares to leave to find Dr. MacNeill, who may have an antiserum at his cabin. Jacob dismisses Christy when she offers to go to Neil's cabin to retrieve the serum. Christy angrily asks the man if Alice's life is more important than his grievances against herself. Jacob admonishes her for speaking to him in that way but Christy tells him that it's time she defended herself. Despite what he thinks, she has done some good in Cutter Gap and would like to repay Alice for making the cove feel like home to her. Dr. Ferrand relents and tells her that the drug will be in a dark brown bottle labeled "tetanus serum." He wishes her Godspeed on her journey and as Christy mounts her mule, Cleo, she hopes that God will indeed be with her . . .
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night
In a blinding storm, Christy rides to Neil's cabin to retrieve the necessary serum. She screams as lightening strikes a small tree in front of the path and almost faints with relief when Neil's cabin comes into view. Inside the cabin is pitch black and Christy frantically wonders where Neil would keep the serum. Lightening illuminates the locked room, causing Christy to remember how odd the lock seemed to her when she last visited. She unsuccessfully searches the mantle for a key and resorts to breaking the lock with a poker. Inside the room, Christy lights a lantern and searches among the bottles for the serum. She realizes that the room isn't the workplace of a backwoods doctor but instead a laboratory for research. Christy finally locates a dark brown bottle which contains the required medicine . . .
Doctor and Defender of Honor
When he arrives at the mission, Neil is confused when Jacob asks him for the serum. When Jacob explains that he sent Christy to retrieve the medicine, Neil reproaches the man for sending her out in such bad weather. Jacob tells him that he was a fool to trust such a wilful and mindless girl. An angry Neil pushes Jacob against the door and tells him that he knows nothing about the lady. When Jacob tells the doctor that Christy is ruining his mission, Neil calls the man arrogant for being inflexible in his beliefs. Jacob asks Neil why he's at the mission and Neil tells him that it's his job to heal people. Jacob points out that healing is God's work but Neil tells him that it's his work, not God's. When Christy returns Jacob grabs the serum and both men race upstairs leaving her to collapse against the door . . .
The Secret Room
Christy is outside waiting for Neil to finish his examination of Miss Alice. He tells Christy that the lady is recovering nicely thanks to her help. Neil brings up the subject of the laboratory and tells Christy that he is conducting research on trachoma. Christy wants to know what the purpose of the locked door is and Neil explains that some of the neighbors might think that he is creating Frankenstein's monster. Neil laughs when Christy asks if that is indeed what he is doing . . .
Bell South
Everyone cheers as Jeb finishes stringing the last of the telephone wire to the mission. The phone rings and Jeb answers it with a loud "hello." He listens, smiles, and says that it's El Pano. Ruby Mae rushes outside and announces the news to the cheering crowd . . .
A Sweet Success
The barter store is deemed a success as everyone in the cove comes to browse. Mary Allen picks up a lace doily and wonders what it is for. Ruby Mae tells her that the item is just to look at and Mary decides it will look nice hanging on the wall. When Ruby Mae receives cornbread for a pair of shoes, she is concerned that she isn't receiving enough barter for the items. Christy assures her that she is doing well. With Dr. Ferrand looking on, Ruby recalls Christy's speech about passing on kindness. After Little Burl shows Christy his new pair of shoes, Jacob walks off toward the lake. Christy follows him and notices his love for the mountains. She tells him that she too has grown to love this place and the children and would hate to leave. Jacob apologizes for his behavior toward her and tells Christy that she is a remarkable young lady . . .
Heart Song
Ida is playing a tune on the piano as David stands outside gazing at Christy. Upstairs on the balcony, Miss Alice is reading a line from the "Merchant of Venice." As she finishes, Jacob covers her hand with his and asks Alice to marry him. Alice refuses but tells Jacob that she cherishes him for asking. Jacob tells her that they could make a life together but Alice says that they already have a life together in their work. When asked if no is her final word, Miss Alice tells Jacob that there is always hope. The two of them proceed to dance on the balcony to the strains of Ida's music.