James Dana, a supposedly wealthy broker, dies suddenly and leaves his daughter, Helen, penniless. The girl secures a position as secretary to Mrs. Stuyvesant, a woman of wealth, with whom she makes her home. Mrs. Stuyvesant has a daughter, Alma, whom she is in hope will marry Jack Mason, a handsome young millionaire who frequently calls at the house. Jack, however, becomes greatly interested in the pretty secretary, much to the annoyance of Mrs. Stuyvesant. Helen observes, with deep regret, that strained relations have developed, but she cannot control the dictates of her heart. One evening when Jack is taking dinner with the family, Mrs. Stuyvesant insults Helen by ordering her to take her place with the servants. Helen, brokenhearted, makes no reply, but prepares to leave and places a note on Mrs. Stuyvesant’s jewel box in the boudoir. Anxious to make an impression upon the young millionaire, Mrs. Stuyvesant asks Helen to secure her necklace. While in her mother’s room Alma sees Helen departing and a cruel revenge occurs to her. She hides the jewel box on a shelf in the closet, but accidentally breaks a bottle of perfume. Alma returns to the dining room and excitedly declares that the necklace is missing and that Helen is leaving the house. Things look dark for Helen, until Jack discovers a clue through the perfume, which enables him to establish the girl’s innocence.