Jim, who thinks that his associates care for him only for his wealth, resolves to assume the appearance of poverty, and go into the country to search for sincerity. A poor girl, Gertrude, on the death of her mother, is confided to the care of an aunt, who treats her harshly and makes a menial of her. Jim goes to the aunt’s farm and secures employment. He is deeply impressed by the beauty of Gertrude’s character, and thinking he has found his ideal, proposes to her. The aunt forces Gertrude to reject Jim and discharges him. On leaving the farm Jim encounters a band of tramps, and, unobserved by them, overhears them plan to rob the aunt’s house. He reaches the house in time to prevent the robbery. Touched by the bravery and devotion, the aunt consents to Jim’s marriage to Gertrude. So Jim finds his ideal, Gertrude is happy, and the aunt is astonished on learning that her niece is to marry a rich man.