John Broderick, wealthy bachelor, globe trotter and devotee of outdoor sports, is seated in his den enjoying a pipe and a magazine when his Japanese valet hands him a letter which proves to be a turning point in his life. It is from his life-long friend, Samuel Farley. Farley is dying and writes to Broderick that he has appointed Broderick the guardian of his young daughter and looks to him to bring her up in proper fashion. One day Louise Farley arrives unannounced. When Broderick returns home and finds this bit of budding womanhood on his hands he is considerably perplexed. He turns her over to his housekeeper, and wonders how be is going to adapt himself to the new conditions. But time goes on. Louise forces her way into his heart deeper than he realizes. He sends her away to boarding school, and takes himself off to hunt in Africa, to overcome a loneliness which her absence makes him suddenly realize. Finally the day of her graduation arrives and he hurries home to receive her. At school Louise has become interested in young Dick Davis, and invites him to call on her at Broderick’s borne. On seeing the girl again Broderick is overwhelmed with the realization that he loves her, not as a father, but as a lover. Dick arrives, and one evening Broderick inadvertently surprises the two in a lover’s embrace. He then bravely acknowledges to himself that youth must needs seek youth, and that he must not stand in the way of his ward’s happiness. He manfully turns Louise over to Dick, and once more seeks the solace of the bachelor’s pipe and fireside.