Roger Pierce decides to go away for a change of scene. Arriving in a small town he purchases workman’s clothes, and takes lodgings in a modest boarding house. He secures a job in the Frederick Paper Mill, where Grace Howard’s father is gate watchman. One day at noon the old watchman is attacked by an intoxicated man. Roger comes to his rescue and drives the man away. At this moment, Grace Howard comes up with her father’s dinner. She is introduced to Roger. After a time Roger marries Grace. Roger decides to surprise his young wife, so takes her back to his own home in the city, where she is treated very coldly by Roger’s mother. Later, she leaves his home. She leaves a note to Roger, explaining her act, and taking a photograph of Roger and a small bundle of clothes, she leaves and takes lodgings in a tenement house, which, unknown to her, is owned by Roger’s father. By the death of his father, Roger inherits the tenement block. A few nights later, Grace, who now has a little girl between three and four years old, can be seen in a little room, putting her child to bed. Sorrow has made deep furrows in her once-handsome face. Then she, too, retires. A fire starts downstairs, caused by a carelessly thrown match. Roger is notified at his club, and arrives in time to rescue Grace, whom he recognizes. He takes her home to his mother, where all are reconciled.