Kate Merry, the daughter of a washerwoman, married Will Cairns, a worthless fellow. Soon she realized his bestial character, leaves him and goes to work in a department store, where she becomes acquainted with Marion Nelson, a wealthy patron and who takes Kate into her home. Meanwhile Kate's husband gets a divorce for desertion and takes up a faster life than ever. He is a good dresser and gives the impression of being of good family. One day in front of a theatre Marion Nelson is caught in a jam between automobiles and Cairns saves her. From this instant a friendship springs up between the two. Marion, not penetrating the real character of the man, falls in love with him. One day she takes him shopping with her and Kate sees them by chance. Marion has a brother who develops a fondness for Kate. Unknown to Marion, Cairns saw Kate the day they were shopping, and to protect himself, tells Marion's brother that Kate shouldn't be allowed in the house; that she is no good. Marion is confronted by Kate and is told that Cairns is a worthless and degenerate man. Kate is not believed, Marion contributing some other motive to her action. Their friendship is broken. At last Kate decides to show up Cairns' true character. She writes a note to Cairns that she is willing to go with him. She then persuades Marion to come to her house and secrete herself. Cairns comes; he is drunk, and enticed a little by Kate, shows his true character. Philip, who has stood the separation from Kate as long as he could, has decided to locate her and make up. He comes in just at the wrong time and sees Kate struggling against Cairns. He denounces Kate and rushes out. Kate then sends Cairns away. Marion, heartbroken over his revelation, comes out of her hiding place and takes Kate home with her. Later Philip is made to see the truth of the situation by Marion and all points toward happiness.