When Harry Armstrong's uncle, the Bishop of New York, tries to dissuade him from marrying an actress, Harry accuses the old man of being ignorant of love. This accusation elicits the bishop's story of his own love, forty years earlier, for the famous opera singer, Cavallini. As a young clergyman, he fell in love with the singer, eventually earning her love. Cavallini attempted to cool his ardor by confessing her unchasteness, but the young clergyman was determined to possess her at any cost. Finally, her purity of spirit won out, and she sent him away forever. At the conclusion of his uncle's story, Harry is more determined than ever to marry his actress; and the bishop, awakened to sympathy by his own recollections, gives his consent.