Unaware that he is a thief, stenographer Margaret Case becomes engaged to James Burke. Just before the wedding, the police arrive, and they are both sent to prison for robbery. Margaret serves several years in New York's Tombs Prison, but because she cannot find employment in the months following her release, she breaks parole and settles in the West. There she meets and marries Harvey Lake, a railroad agent. After Harvey is offered a promotion, the couple returns to New York, where Margaret, having been recognized by a detective, reveals the story of her past to her husband. Through the efforts of Harvey and the railroad's lawyer, McClellan, the governor finally grants Margaret a full pardon.