To end the Acadians' opposition to the British, they are forced to disperse among the American colonies. Evangeline and Gabriel become separated, but they vow to stay faithful until they can find one another. Evangeline's search, with Father Felician, takes her from New England to St. Martin in the Louisiana territory. For years, she watches for Gabriel's return, while everyone tells her to move on with her life. Praline, now wealthy and widowed, visits and urges Evangeline to join her to live a life of luxury and excitement in New Orleans, but Evangeline declines.