Smalltown runaway teen Hattie Lou is hired as maid for the Van Gore family, bound for the South Seas on their yacht. On board she falls for the son Spencer, who "marries" her in a mock wedding. A baby and hard times result from the union.
Smalltown girl Hattie Lou Harkness takes a position as a maid with the Van Gores, a wealthy family bound for the South Seas on their yacht. On board she falls in love with Spencer Van Gore, who "marries" her in a mock wedding with the captain officiating. Learning of the trick, Hattie Lou leaves for New York. Two years later, destitute in the city, Hattie Lou seeks help from the elder Van Gores, who take her and her baby in. She meets Grant Van Gore, a war invalid. Spencer arrives and tells Hattie Lou that the marriage was legal, but he dies when the Van Gore home burns. Grant and Hattie Lou then marry.—AFI
Hattie Lou Harkness lives in the rural town of Farm Center with her stern aunt. Hattie is denied any amusement in her life, not even being allowed to attend a local festival. Her aunt's behavior finally becomes unbearable. So Hattie obtains a position as maid to Grace Van Gore, who with her brother Spencer and a group of rowdy young people are about to head to the South Seas aboard the Van Gore yacht. Hattie is thrilled with the idea of a cruise. She falls for Spencer. The night before sailing, when the yacht is mostly deserted, Spencer persuades the captain to perform a mock wedding ceremony for him and Hattie Lou on board the ship.The captain heads the vessel out to sea, and performs the ceremony. Unknown to both Spencer and Hattie Lou, the vessel is outside the three-mile limit, which makes the marriage legal. Grace hears of the episode the next morning and is angry at her brother, and feels pity for Hattie Lou. She decides it's best for Hattie Lou to leave at once, so she gives the girl money to a buy a ticket to New York. Spencer is furious when he hears of this. Two years later, Hattie Lou is unemployed, with a baby son. She sees a newspaper headline stating that the Van Gore yacht has been wrecked with all aboard lost. In desperation, Hattie Lou decides to pose as Spencer's wife and obtain help from his wealthy parents. The Van Gores welcome her into the family. Grant Van Gore, the elder son, is an invalid, having been wounded in the War. He falls for Hattie Lou, but believing she still cares for his dead brother, he remains silent. Several months pass, when the Van Gores receive word that Grace and Spencer are still alive, having found refuge on an island after the yacht sank. The only solace Hattie Lou has from this news is that her marriage is legal, and her son legally has the same Van Gore. A party is held at the Van Gore home, where Grace finds Hattie Lou being annoyed by Spencer. Grace locks Hattie Lou in her room, and takes the key. A fire breaks out in the home, and the guests flee the house. The fire rapidly spreads before someone thinks of Hattie Lou and the baby. The guests turn to Spencer, who makes no move to enter the house. Grant quietly leaves the crowd, limps to the house, and disappears into the flames. He makes his way upstairs and throws his weight against Hattie Lou's door, to no avail. Overcome by heat and smoke, he falls unconscious to the floor. Spencer finally runs into the house and carries his brother out. He returns for Hattie Lou and the baby, but dies in the attempted rescue. Meanwhile, Hattie Lou has fashioned a rope, and lowers herself and the baby from the window. As she stumbles towards the Van Gores, the roof of the home caves in. Grant recovers from the injuries he received trying to save Hattie Lou. Soon afterward the pair are married and spend their honeymoon in Farm Center.
