A fortune hunter is the accepted suitor of the daughter of an apparently wealthy widow, but when she receives notice that the oil stocks, in which her late husband's fortune is invested, are worthless, he finds the young girl less attractive. The broker who has represented the widow calls to explain the situation and extend his sympathy. Accompanying him is a wealthy friend, who becomes quite interested in the girl, although he is twice her age. He later makes a formal proposal of marriage, believing that he can win her love through kindness. The girl for the sake of her mother accepts and they are married. Despite his great love for the girl he is unable to overcome the great difference in their ages, and enjoining the broker to secrecy, he buys the worthless oil stock so that she may be independent, and he then leaves her to go back to his oil fields. Learning of his sacrifice, the nobleness of it arouses the girl's love and she follows him to tell him of her awakening.