The oldest of five daughters of a small town newspaper owner, Abby Hopkins is urged by her family to marry the wealthy, twice-widowed J. B. Hanks. Abby leaves Hanks on the night of the wedding, and goes to New York where she supports herself as a waitress and shares an apartment with a co-worker. At the restaurant, Abby meets J. Booth Hunter, a "ham" actor who is a heavy drinker, and tries to convince him to give up liquor. Hanks shows up one day and during a battle with his estranged wife, Hunter comes to Abby's rescue. Abby finally gets a divorce from Hanks, Hunter conquers his drinking habit, and Abby marries him.