William Collins, a wealthy real estate dealer of New York, is infatuated with Lily Anderson, an adventuress, and neglects his wife and child, Hazel. Mrs. Collins learns of his infidelity and institutes a suit for divorce. After Mrs. Collins obtains a decree, Collins marries Lily, and they leave for the west. Their child, Martha, resembles Hazel. Several years elapse and Lily dies, leaving Martha to be cared for by Collins who places her in an exclusive school for girls. While there Martha meets Rob, a disreputable character, who induces her to elope with him. Collins receives a letter from the principal of the school informing him of the elopement. He decides to disinherit her. He calls his partner, Landau, to prepare a will leaving all his property to Hazel. Landau sees a chance to acquire Collins' fortune.