Delphine’s father, Major Erskine, wishes her to marry John Chester, the owner of a neighboring plantation, but the girl has been fascinated by a visiting Spanish gentleman, Roman D’Arville, and will not listen to her father. The major threatens to send Delphine to a convent, and she therefore determines to elope with Roman. In order to get out of the house she disguises herself as a negress and induces her old mammy to accompany her. Meanwhile two slaves from the plantation where Roman is stopping have escaped, and the owner, with a company of men and dogs, starts in pursuit. The searchers capture Delphine and the old negress just as Roman appears. The latter, believing Delphine to be a mulatto girl, insults her, thus permitting the young woman to see his true character. Chester appears on the scene in time to protect Delphine, and the two men decide to fight a duel. Delphine hastens home and sends her father to prevent the duel. When Roman sees the approaching major he fires while Chester’s back is turned and wounds the young southerner in the arm. Roman, finding that his presence is no longer desired, leaves the country, and the major’s hope is realized when Delphine, appreciating the sterling character of Chester, gives him her promise.