Smalltown girl Hattie Lou Harkness takes a position as a maid with the Van Gores, a wealthy family bound for the South Seas on their yacht. On board she falls in love with Spencer Van Gore, who "marries" her in a mock wedding with the captain officiating. Learning of the trick, Hattie Lou leaves for New York. Two years later, destitute in the city, Hattie Lou seeks help from the elder Van Gores, who take her and her baby in. She meets Grant Van Gore, a war invalid. Spencer arrives and tells Hattie Lou that the marriage was legal, but he dies when the Van Gore home burns. Grant and Hattie Lou then marry.