Judy Nichols, a poor Chicago, IL, secretary, falls in love with Ronald McKane, a struggling young civil engineer, but refuses to marry him and commit herself to a life of poverty. She travels to New York City, meets financier and womanizer Sanford Gillespie, and persuades him to advance Ronald's career. Judy and Ronald are married, but he increasingly devotes his time to business, neglecting Judy in favor of the frenzied pursuit of money. When Ronald leaves his wife for a rich widow, Judy persuades Sanford to ruin him financially, offering herself as payment. Ronald's fortune is wiped out the following day and he seeks revenge on the banker. He finds Judy in Sanford's apartment and attempts to strangle her, claiming that she is the cause of his avarice. Ronald comes to his senses and they are reconciled.—AFI