Girard and Sime, ship brokers, of Philadelphia, had been partners for years. Sims' daughter and young Girard had become engaged while abroad. Sims speculated outside, and, injuring the credit of the concern, Girard demanded a dissolution. The young folks, hearing of the split, married before returning, and Girard disowned his son and repudiated the wife. Young Girard and Sims established a new concern in San Francisco, entitled "The Samoan Colony Company," and Paul sailed for the Colony, leaving his wife and two children in San Francisco. Girard had tried hard by buying in stock to ruin the Samoan Colony Company until he received news that the ship that carried his son had been wrecked and all on board lost. Then came the memorable San Francisco earthquake. Sims with many of his aides were buried in the ruins of the office building. Dora with her two children narrowly escaped and after many hardships went east to Philadelphia. Reduced to starvation she surrendered her two children to her father-in-law, William Girard, but he would not receive the mother. Later, Girard advertised for a governess for the children and Dora disguising herself secured the position. By her beautiful disposition she secured the old man's love, and finally her husband having been the only one saved from the wreck, returned, and peace and happiness came to the family.