John Radford becomes the guardian of Constance Turner. Radford's political ambitions cause him to neglect his ward, who possesses a secret love for him. Walter Dover, the son of a political boss, accompanies his father to Radford's town, where he meets Constance, with whom he falls in love. The attachment is opposed by Radford, but Constance stinging under his indifference, resents any interference. Constance is persuaded to elope with Walter Dover. At a road house she learns of his purpose and leaves him. She is overtaken by a storm and injured by a falling tree. She returns to her home but Radford casts her out, believing that she has sinned with young Dover, who again seeks her out, receives the girl's forgiveness and promises immediate marriage. Constance is easily persuaded by Walter, who seeks his father's consent to marry her, but this is refused. Not wishing to lose her, Walter has a mock marriage performed.