Through the faults of her father, Iris Carroll and her mother are reduced to operating a boardinghouse near a railroad. Iris, who has absorbed her mother's hatred of men, and especially her hatred of her own drab surroundings, closes the house upon her mother's death, and with her remaining money determines to use men to further her career. At a fashionable hotel, she meets young Jeff Payne, scion of a wealthy family; the youth becomes infatuated, and Iris quickly accepts his proposal. Franklin Payne, Jeff's father, invites her to the family estate, and falling under her charms, he tries to persuade Iris to marry him rather than his son. In despair at the wreck Iris is making of their home, Diana Payne turns for aid to her Uncle Gregory, a sea captain and a pronounced woman-hater. Intrigued by his indifference, Iris tries unsuccessfully to arouse his admiration. By a ruse, he lures her to his boat where they realize their mutual love.