Shirley, the wife of poor architect Quentin, accedes to her wealthy aunt’s advice against marrying a poor man and leaves him. Quentin gives up his dream of becoming an architect and takes a job as a draftsman. His new employer, sensing Quentin’s talent, encourages him to give his architectural career another try, as does his co-worker Esther, who is in love with him. However, when Shirley tells Quentin that she wants to reconcile with him, Esther is torn between her love for Quentin and her desire to see him happy and successful.