A struggling prospector strikes a rich lead, and suddenly finds himself a rich man. Lillian, his daughter, is given the full benefit of her father's wealth. She starts east to visit her aunt, who takes her to Europe and introduces her into society. There Lady Somers takes a fancy to her, and is announced in the society columns as a wealthy heiress from the west. Lord Francis's attorney calls his Lordship's attention to this notice, and it is agreed if a suitable settlement can be secured from Lillian's income, he might consider a matrimonial alliance with her. The attorney calls on Lady Somers, and a meeting is arranged between Lillian and Lord Francis. The contracting parties show a friendly disposition towards each other, and decide that they will be married and consider the transaction merely a friendly relationship, she allowing him a certain portion of her income from her father. Lord Francis possesses ability as a writer, submits a manuscript for a novel to a London publisher. His friendship for his wife ripens into love, and she becomes very much in love with him. While writing his book, he employs, unknown to his wife, a very attractive stenographer, with whom his wife happens to see him conversing, as she is passing the window of his study. Lillian is very much disturbed. When he comes into her room she is ready to find fault with him; he explains the situation to her and hands her a cablegram from her western home, which contains the news of her father's loss of his entire fortune. She is greatly distressed, but he reassures her of his ability to take care of her by showing her the cheek from his publishers, and an order for an additional production from his pen. Lillian is the willing recipient of his proffered embrace.