Teddie Barker, an employee of the Searchlight Insurance Company, falls in love with Clara Brummer. Her father does not, at first, acquiesce to the engagement, but after persuasion agrees and attends the marriage of his daughter, and promises a dowry of £5,000 when the young man attains the position of branch manager in his company. Mr. Bock, the director of the insurance company, has a weakness for granting concessions to his employees who have fascinating wives. Bumble, as general factotum, is well aware of this, and when Teddie calls for an interview, he advises him as to the necessary ways and means, and shows the methods of his colleague, John Bains, for advancement. Teddie has a most unsatisfactory interview with the director, and Bumble then advises him that if his wife is prettier than Mr. John Bains', and he will bring her along, his appointment is certain. Teddie is very downhearted, but eventually he is smitten with a brilliant idea.