At the beginning of the story we find Matt and Hazel in love. Flo realizes this and takes it much to heart as she too loves Matt. However, this does not alter her friendship for Hazel. When the wedding takes place Flo is the bridesmaid, though her heart is almost broken. Their union being blessed with two tots, Matt is a successful broker, and through all the years Flo remains a constant friend. Hazel becomes ill. The doctor declares her malady fatal. She bravely faces the inevitable, her thoughts being only of the children. She tells Flo and Matt of her fears and requests them to marry so that the children will have a mother. Flo consents to this. Flo and Matt marry. Time elapses. Flo's jealousy is aroused by Matt's devotion to the children. It leads her to believe that Matt is indifferent to her. Life becomes unbearable. Finally one day, the eldest child becomes ill with a contagious disease. Flo decides to leave the house. On her way out she finds the younger child alone in the hall, having been deserted by the nurse and the rest of the servants. This arouses her finer senses. Rushing back, she takes the sick child to her room. The doctor quarantines the patient from the outside world. The child recovers, due to Flo's devotion. The quarantine is lifted and Matt is admitted. Flo, having done her duty, is about to leave. Matt assures her that he has always loved her and the sacrifice she has just made awakened a new and stronger love. Feeling now that her love is requited, Flo consents to stay. She has been able to prove herself a real wife and mother and now finds her promise to Hazel turned to pleasure as well as duty, for she loves and is loved.