Kathleen Pearson is born to wealth and privilege, while her childhood friend, Mary Boyd, is at the mercy of a brutal father following the death of her mother. Years later, Kathleen secretly marries Donald Walling, then discovers that the wedding was officiated by a fraudulent clergyman. Kathleen and Mary return from a trip to Europe with an apparently illegitimate child, and Mary protects her friend by claiming to be the mother. After Donald dies in an automobile accident, Kathleen's marriage is proved to be legal. Mary's reputation is restored and she weds the man she loves.—AFI