In Vienna just prior to the outbreak of World War I, Captain Maximilian Scheltoff falls in love with a poor flower shop girl named Viki. Unfortunately, his father, General Scheltoff, has arranged his marriage to Countess Helga through the Emperor. Maximilian and Viki plan to elope the night of Helga's ball, but his father intercedes, sending Maximilian to the front lines when he learns of his son's wedding plans. Maximilian sends a letter to Viki, proclaiming his undying love of her, but the letter is never delivered. Instead, Viki receives a letter from the general, telling her that Maximilian is going to fulfill his family honor and marry Helga. When Maximilian does not arrive at their predetermined meeting place, Viki thinks the worse, believing that he was too cowardly to tell her the truth. After World War I ends, Viki becomes a stage star, while Maximilian is reduced to being a simple shoe salesman.