Andrew Bolton, a progressive capitalist, enriches the small New England town of Brookville by providing employment. He attempts to expand his operations, but when the townspeople fail to support him, Andrew loses all his money and that of his investors. He is imprisoned for embezzlement, while his daughter, Lydia, is raised by a wealthy uncle. Eighteen years later, Lydia returns to Brookville under an assumed name and purchases the neglected Bolton estate with an inheritance from her deceased uncle. She generously donates to local charities and pays high prices to recover the estate's furnishings. Hostile factions in the town emerge as some distrust Lydia's motives, while others support her. Andrew returns from prison a broken man, and Lydia tries to conceal his identity. However, when the feeble Andrew announces his return in the country store, a mob rushes to lynch him and destroy the restored house, falsely believing that Lydia's money really belongs to them. As he denounces the mob, Andrew suffers a fatal heart attack. The mob disperses and the people come to accept Lydia.