Violet Marcell, an actress, held her fatherless babe in her arms as a messenger boy brought a telegram to her which read: "Join the show at Conness, N.H., Tickets await you at station." While she packs her trunk, Violet wonders what she will do with her babe. As a washwoman with her basket full of clean linen enters the house Violet hastily tucks her child in the basket while the washwoman is engaged elsewhere, and leaves. The washwoman, ignorant of the infant in the basket, leaves it with Mrs. Evans, who later opens the basket and finds the baby, to whose dress is pinned the following note: "Kind neighbor, I trust you will care for my little Violet. A poor unfortunate mother." Evans is angered that his wife should be imposed upon by an actress who has erred and brusquely declares his intention of sending "the brat" to the poorhouse. Mrs. Evans pleads with her husband to permit the baby to stay and finally Evans consents. Years pass. "Little Bill" Evans, Violet's childhood playmate, has become "Big Bill," one of the best halfbacks ever turned out at his college. He returns from school at the end of the semester and is met at the railroad station by Violet, his father and mother. Bill is a little embarrassed in Violet's presence and finds it difficult to take up his friendship where he left off. In the days that follow, however, their friendship is renewed and gradually ripens into love. While Violet was a little girl not yet in her teens there came to the Evans home one day a trunk marked "Violet Marcell, Theatrical." A letter followed from the manager of the show with which little Violet's mother had been playing, which told of the death of Violet Marcel, and who, before her death, requested the manager of the show to send her trunk to the guardian of her child, stipulating that the trunk must not be opened until her daughter reached her maturity. Upon Bill's return from college he and Violet come across the trunk. Violet remembers the letter sent years before and feels that she is now old enough to open the old trunk. They find a box of grease paints and have a lively time making up and "playing theater" as they did years before as youngsters. Evans sees the growing friendship between his son and Violet and does his best to discourage it. Evans finally accuses Violet with trying to bewitch his son and the next morning she carries out her resolution to leave for the city. She secures a position in a garment making shop, where she is promptly invited out to dinner by the manager. When she refuses she is discharged. Florence, a dance hall artist, who boards in the same house with Violet, helps her to secure a position in a cabaret and music hall, where she "makes good." She writes a letter home to 'Mother" Evans. Bill gets the letter and determines to follow her. Bill meets two friends in the city and drops into the cabaret where Violet is playing. At the moment he enters, Violet is insulted by two strangers who sit down at the table where she and Florence are resting. Billie takes Violet home and the next day they are married. The same day Billie meets his mother's old beau, Jim Ridgway. He tells Ridgway of his marriage, and upon arriving home Ridgway tells Mrs. Evans. Mrs. Evans is overjoyed and in her excitement consents to go to the city with Ridgway to meet Violet and her son. Evans sees his wife leave with his old rival and is infuriated. He trails them to the city, where he and the policeman break into the boarding house, only to find a happy little reunion between Violet. "Mother" Evans and her son. Evans forgives his son and takes Violet into his arms.