Genevieve Connors, a girl of the slums, is taken to the country home of wealthy Mrs. Vanderbeck for a week's vacation. Although neighbor Evelyn Carlisle refers to Genevieve as a "gutter brat," Evelyn's cousin Dick takes an interest in the girl after rescuing her when her canoe overturns. He gathers water lilies for her and notes that their fragrance and purity have not been affected by the slime and mud clinging to their roots. Although he arranges for Genevieve to take a stenography course, and promises her a position with his older brother Willard later, Mrs. Lawson, Evelyn's aunt, rudely turns her away. Dick, about to leave for the war, accidentally meets Genevieve again. He buys her water lilies, and sees that she is installed as Willard's secretary. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lawson's dissipated son Dwight knocks down a policeman during a gambling raid, and thinking him dead, hides out. After Genevieve receives a note from Dwight asking for clothes and money, Mrs. Lawson suspiciously pursues her, but Dick follows and proves Genevieve's innocence.