Madame Bartlett, a celebrated biologist, employs Vera Knight as her assistant at the suggestion of a friend and soon comes to love her for the many good qualities the girl possesses. Chilton, Mme. Bartlett's secretary, is hard up for money through steady and severe losses at gambling, and begins to falsify the account books in order to replenish his funds. In the meantime, his charm of manner has created a profound impression upon Vera's heart, and when he proposes marriage she accepts with a happy heart. Relying upon his honor and promises, Vera becomes a victim of abused confidence and soon finds herself in an embarrassing position. She asks for and obtains a leave of absence and retires to a farm in the country where her child is born. Chilton, in the meantime, continually postpones their marriage on various pretexts. While the secretary is talking to one of his creditors one day, Mme. Bartlett overhears the conversation which makes her suspicious.