Stella Le Vere, an ambitious but struggling actress, is abandoned by her husband and is forced to leave her baby girl, Grace, in the care of an orphan asylum. Later, the child is adopted by a well-to-do and kindly family named Thornton, who bring Grace up in ignorance of her identity. Grace develops into a beautiful young woman, and, as she grows older, forms a strong attachment for the stage. Her ambition to become a great actress is discouraged by her foster mother, who has the girl's best interest at heart. Accidentally she learns of her own identity, and resolves to run away, go upon the stage, and make an attempt to find her real mother. She does so, and after many trying experiences, finds herself an understudy to her mother, who is the star in a musical comedy success. She keeps her identity secret until one night she secures a chance to prove her ability by temporarily taking her mother's place. She wins a wonderful ovation and incurs the jealous dislike of the star, her mother. At this time she discloses her identity, but this news seems to make her mother even more furious. Now, with her eyes fully opened, she returns to her foster parents, her brief stage career brought to a disillusioned end.