Claire, a young Southern girl, marries wealthy plantation owner Paul but has always dreamed of moving to and living in New York City. She falls for Paul's New York lawyer Douglas, and when he goes back to "The Big Apple", she fibs to her husband that she had been having an affair with Douglas and wants a divorce. However, when she travels to New York to be with him, she finds that he's already married and is running for District Attorney. Complications ensue.—[email protected]

Paul Stanford, of Richmond, a wealthy bachelor, on a visit to his farm, meets Claire Burton, daughter of his caretaker. He proposes marriage to her and she refers him to her parents, who agree to their union. Stanford settles $25,000 on his young wife, and takes her to his home in Richmond, where he educates her. He treats his wife both like a faithful husband and a devoted father, but Claire never learns the meaning of love. The country girl has illusions regarding New York. She asks her husband to come and live in New York, but he demurs, stating that he cannot give up his business in the South. One year after his marriage Stanford, having legal business, sends for his lawyer, Douglas Hobson, a New Yorker, who fascinates Claire. Hobson describes the life in New York. After his recital, Claire tells Hobson that she loves him, that she never loved her husband, and proposes an elopement. Hobson refuses, stating that if she were free, he would marry her. Claire tells Hobson that she will try to get a divorce. Stanford enters unexpectedly and finds Claire in the arms of Hobson. He denounces him and orders him out. Claire pleads with Stanford to divorce her, stating that she loves Hobson. Stanford will not listen. Claire appeals to her father for help, and he tells her that a divorce can only be procured through evidence of infidelity. Claire forms a desperate plan; she tells her husband that she has been unfaithful. Bitterly grieved Stanford realizes that youth is its own excuse, and offers to close the book of her past, and make it a sealed volume. Claire is insistent, and Stanford agrees to separate on conditions that she return his marriage settlement. Six months later Hobson in New York is nominated for District Attorney, and being in need of funds for his campaign, marries Eva Strong who, with her sister, Agnes, had come into an inheritance. One week before election, while busy with his campaign, he receives a telegram from Claire, stating that she procured her divorce and is coming to New York. On her arrival Claire learns that Hobson has married. Her love for him turns to hate. She becomes desperate and demands that he should divorce his wife, as he made her divorce her husband, otherwise she threatens to expose him. The same night Hobson returns home worried. His wife questions him; he tells her of Claire's demand. In desperation, Eva withdraws the joint account of herself and sister Agnes, and buys Claire's silence. Three days before election. Stanford, reading of Hobson's political aspirations, comes to New York to avenge himself. Stanford goes to the hall where Hobson is addressing a big meeting and denounces him. Hobson denies his statement, and takes Stanford to his former wife, who disproves his accusation. Hobson asks Claire about her statement of infidelity, and Claire tells Stanford that her illusion for New York made her lie and that she was always faithful to him. Claire tearfully begs her husband's forgiveness, and asks to be taken back. Stanford returns the money to Eva and Agnes and forgives Claire and Hobson.—Moving Picture World synopsis