During the World War, Alathea Bulteel, a Red Cross nurse, discovers the prostrate form of an English officer among the ruins of a bombed building in Paris. She cares for him until help arrives, leaving before he regains consciousness. After the war Alathea is forced to find work and, by chance, obtains a position as the private secretary of the same man, who is revealed to be Sir Nicholas Thormonde. Convalescing from injuries received during the fighting, he passes the time in dalliance with Suzette, a pretty demimondaine. Alathea performs her duties so well that Nicholas falls in love with her, despite her plain clothes and dark glasses. One day, Nicholas kisses her, and she leaves his house, believing that he intends to take advantage of her. Nicholas follows her, however, and asks for her hand in marriage; she refuses his offer, believing him to be insincere. Alathea's father then contracts a gambling debt of 5,000 francs, which Nicholas secretly pays. Not knowing of this kindness, Alathea goes to him and offers to marry him for the sum. Nicholas accepts, and they are happy until Suzette reappears. Believing that Nicholas is still interested in the girl, Alathea leaves. She and Nicholas are reunited, however, when she comes to realize the depth of his love for her.