Robert Ford, a young artist, with his wife Margaret, and baby are living in comparative poverty. Their only income is derived from her illustrations upon which work he looks down in lofty disdain. His is an art, hers a trade. One day he rescues a Pomeranian dog from some cruel boys to the great relief of Mrs. von Norden, a wealthy society woman. He would leave but she insists on having his card, which he gives her. She tells her husband of the kind artist that rescued “dear Fido” and that they must patronize him. They call at the studio and offer to have his painting exhibited at the Academy. He is thankful. The picture is exhibited and as Mrs. von Norden is a society leader and Ford’s patron, he becomes a success and is lionized by society women, and while at one of their parties his baby dies. The critics say his pictures lack soul and feeling, which angers him and he decides this is caused by Margaret’s mourning and sadness, and so their studio must be divided. He can work better alone. On her return from the cemetery, Margaret wishes for a study of her baby, and tries to draw him, but black and white is so cold, she tries colors and succeeds. The picture becomes sacred to her. During Robert’s absence Mr. and Mrs. von Norden call to see his latest canvas. They see the baby’s picture and say that at last Ford has put feeling into his work. Robert is surprised at the baby’s picture and denies it is his. Margaret enters and a scene follows, ending in Robert asking assistance in a love scene. Her picture is hung in the Academy and receives the highest award.