Jack Gordon is happily married, but his great ambition is to be a father. He is offered a position in another city which necessitates his absence from home for a time. Before he leaves he finds a baby’s sock on the floor of his wife’s bedroom. This he surmises promises a speedy realization of his dream. Soon after Jack is established in his new position, Helen, his wife’s sister, and her young baby, arrive at the Gordon apartment on a visit from the east. Mrs. Gordon sends her husband a telegram: “Big surprise for you, sister, baby arrived today, all well, love, Helen.” But the operator made a mistake, and Jack’s message read, “Big surprise for you, mister, baby arrived today, etc.” Jack leaves for home. On the way from the depot to his home he buys an armload of toys. Meanwhile, Mrs. Gordon and Lucille have gone shopping. Lucille has left her baby with Mrs. Gordon’s sister and her child. When Jack arrives at his apartment he finds two children, owing to the temporary absence of Ethel, who has gone out for a bottle of milk. Jack attempts fathering both, unsuccessfully, and while his attention is centered on one of them, Lucille returns and takes her baby. Jack soon misses it and calls in the police. In the midst of the confusion, Mrs. Gordon returns. She is surprised to see Jack. He shows her his telegram. She smilingly corrects it. Jack’s hopes are shattered.