Neglected by her husband, Beth Stanford becomes interested in Arthur, his friend. Although their friendship is an innocent one. Stanford becomes intensely jealous. Arthur presents Beth with a diamond brooch upon her birthday. Later, when Stanford faces ruin, he compels Beth to pawn her jewels. The money thus secured proves insufficient for his needs. The man drinks heavily in his desperation and falls into a drunken stupor. When Stanford returns home, he meets Arthur. The husband cedes Beth to Arthur for a sum sufficient to settle his obligations. Then comes the realization of his baseness. It prompts Stanford to commit suicide. Stanford awakens from his drunken sleep with a start, discovering that the terrible events have occurred only in a dream. It is the lesson he needs, however, and although ruined he returns home. Together Stanford and Beth face a future of renewed endeavor and happiness.