Arline Mayfair, a successful illustrator, though in love with Jimmy Winthrop, fears that marriage would impair her career. While aiding another young couple to elope, however, Arline and Jimmy decide to marry secretly. When some of Jimmy's garments are found in Arline's studio by visitors, a scandal develops and friends go to Jimmy with the intention of warning him, only to find some incriminating lingerie in his bedroom. Arline decides to leave for the country, and Jimmy follows to her cottage. A burglar from a nearby hotel is chased by an intoxicated guest to Arline's house, and the pursuing crowd find Arline and Jim en deshabille; the embarrassing situation is cleared up when the intoxicated gentleman discovers their marriage license.—AFI
Arline Mayfair is a successful illustrator, popular, and independent financially. She is in love with Jimmy Winthrop, manager of the brokerage business owned by her wealthy uncle, David Mayfair. Jimmy pleads with Arline to marry him, but she is worried that marriage would spoil her future as an artist. She also feels that married people see too much of each other and become unhappy. Jimmy then suggests they secretly marry and never announce it. Arline consents to this idea. The two are happily married, but continue their vow not to tell anyone. Uncle David is angry that the pair do not marry.
Soon after, there is a party in Greenwich Village, and the attendees suggest that Arline should be there. So they set out for her studio apartment to get her. Arline and Jimmy are having lunch when the party arrives. Jimmy hides as Arline greets her friends. She begs off the invitation, complaining of a headache, and her friends depart. But before they leave, they notice a man's gloves, and cigar stubs. Teddy Filbert, an inebriated partygoer, suggests they all go to Jimmy's apartment and tell him Arline is seeing someone. In the meantime, Jimmy and Arline leave her apartment and go to Jimmy's apartment, hoping to find peace and quiet. When the party arrives, their suspicions are aroused when they find traces of a woman's presence in Jimmy's rooms. They leave, determined to break off their acquaintance with Arline.
Arline heads for a summer resort, and Jimmy occasionally drives out for an evening or weekend. Their friends soon follow, and one evening they are stunned to see Jimmy, in pajamas, in Arline's bungalow. Uncle David demands an explanation, and Jimmy produces their marriage certificate. Teddy says "th' cute li'l devils were married all the time." The partygoers ask for forgiveness and everyone is happy.
