In a jewelry store, Grace Norris, a wealthy girl, unnoticed by the salesman, absent-mindedly takes a vanity case. She is seen by Fred Wright, who thinks she stole it. At home, she finds the case and, horrified at her unintentional crime, determines to return next day and pay for it, but that evening, at the Uptons, while wearing the case, she meets Fred Wright and discovers he is aware of her theft. He is in debt and rendered desperate by the demands of his creditors, he takes the vanity case from her and by threats of exposure, succeeds in coercing the terrified girl into stealing a valuable necklace of rubies, the following week from Mrs. Holmes, a guest at the Uptons' fashionable villa. She is nearly caught, but manages to escape to her room, where she faints with the necklace clutched tightly in her hand. Fred Wright is summoned to town by his uncle before Grace can give him the rubies and she hides them in her hair. The jewels are missed, there is great excitement and detectives are sent for, who search all the rooms, questioning everyone. Wright returns to the Uptons, his debts cleared by his uncle, promises to go west and start life anew. Grace is terribly frightened during the investigation, but manages to conceal her emotions. Later in the evening, Jack Upton, who is in love with her, proposes. She loves Jack, but her conscience troubles her and she refuses. He is persistent and tries to kiss her. His cuff-links catch in her hair and the rubies discovered. Astounded, he asks for an explanation. Fred Wright, who has overheard them, steps forward and declares the whole thing a practical joke. Jack believes him and agrees to replace the jewels. Fred, relieved, departs, and Jack takes the girl in his arms. She returns his caresses and consents to become his wife. Mrs. Holmes finds her jewels and Wright, before leaving, gives Grace her vanity case, for which she sends the jeweler its full value, at the same time, explaining how it came in her possession.