The parents of Gratia Latham are killed by a volcanic eruption on a South Sea island, the only survivors being the little girl and her native servant. Gratia survives and grows up with only the beasts as her companions. Her cousin comes to fetch her when her wealthy uncle dies and other relatives plan to claim the estate. On the home-bound ship, Bob Alan, an "ex-college graduate," and his chum, Slim, rescue Gratia from a forced marriage to her cousin Bernard, and in New York the three swim ashore to a deserted house on Long Island that happens to be Gratia's property. Bernard notifies the police that they are thieves, but Gratia establishes her identity and is brought into society, where her unconventional manners cause a sensation. She burns the house; and when Bernard tries to coerce her again into marriage, she soundly thrashes him and weds Bob.