After Frank Prentiss, a multi-millionaire who hates and distrusts females, sees that his adopted son Jack is becoming a target for designing women, he drives one away, and convinces Jack that women are detrimental to a man's success. Because of overwork, Prentiss is forced to rest at the country home of his friend Gray, where he meets and falls in love with Gray's daughter Kate. She refuses his proposals, but because her father, who has two young children, is in financial difficulties, she marries Prentiss, in name only, for the money Prentiss gives to her family. Because the frustrated Prentiss verbally abuses her, Kate seeks solace with Jack, and they develop a strong friendship. Prentiss, raging with jealousy, tortures them with his accusations. During a dinner, when he tells his male guests that Jack and Kate are lovers, Jack rushes at him, but is restrained. Prentiss suffers a fatal heart attack, leaving Jack and Kate free to marry.