Basil Hammond, a young man without social or romantic interests, goes to Paris to study paleontology and to bring back a report to his guardian on the manners and moral character of her granddaughter, Liane. At first he is repulsed by her attempts to vamp him, but eventually he falls in love with her. Basil discovers that Liane is engaged to Count Oudoff, and when the count insults him at a party, a duel is arranged. Liane intervenes to save Basil, and in despair he returns to America; on the steamer he finds Liane, and she promises to marry him.