John P. Grout collapses under the strain of making enough money to keep his family happy. Only his favorite daughter Mab remains unimpressed by possessions and social status as she falls in love with Seth Smith, a clerk in his department store. While Grout hovers near death, the family changes their attitude. He recovers to save himself from financial ruin, the family reduces its demands on him, and Seth becomes a successful businessman.—Pamela Short