Lizzie and sister Emma break out of their Victorian comfort zone at a debauched bohemian party in New York City. En route home, Lizzie saves a street prostitute from a vicious beating, then gives the scared young woman refuge in her own house. But her charity incurs the wrath of notorious local gangster, Mr. Flowers. A surprise visit by a dashing New York playwright is an amusing distraction as he plies his charm to convince Lizzie to finance his latest work. Pinkerton agent Siringo turns up fresh evidence that further incriminates Lizzie, while a sordid encounter between the hooker and the writer leads Lizzie to mediate the problem in her unique way.