The Riggs family, newly wealthy from Oklahoma oil, move to an estate in Ossining, New York, adjoining that of eligible bachelor Stephen Van Courtlandt, who wants to avoid marriage. Mrs. Riggs, anxious to break into society, wants her daughter Barbara to marry Stephen. While Stephen is fishing, an escaped convict from Sing Sing, Chimmy the Cricket, convinces him to exchange clothes so that he can escape the pursuing guards. Pursued, Stephen climbs into Barbara's bedroom window and Barbara, excited to be able to reform a criminal, gives Stephen her butler's clothes to wear. When Mrs. Riggs enters and Stephen explains who he is, she says that they must announce their engagement immediately to protect Barbara's reputation, which they do, although Barbara still believes that Stephen is a convict. After Stephen is suspected of stealing Mrs. Rigg's jewels, the Cricket helps Stephen expose the real thief, and Barbara and Stephen, who have fallen in love, prepare to marry.