Jane and Florence, sisters, live in a fishing village. Jane, the elder of the two. discovers that a friendship has sprung up between Florence and Jim Hire, a young fisherman. Fearing the man's intentions, Jane warns her sister. To further his ends, Jim proposes to Jane, telling the girl that his purpose in calling at the cottage is to be near her instead of Florence. His plan succeeds. This is Jane's first love affair and she loves Jim with her whole, strong nature. A subtle shyness prevents her from imparting the news to Florence. Jim, in the meantime, really in love with Florence, asks her to marry him. About to depart on a fishing trip, Jim bids goodbye to Jane and then secretly marries Florence. Wishing to keep the marriage a secret until Jim's return, the girl conceals the wedding ring by suspending it from her neck on a string. A terrific storm arises on the night before Jim's return. The sisters are awakened by the din and cling to each other in fright. Jane discovers the wedding ring dangling from her sister's neck and learns of Florence's marriage. Although her dream of happiness is shattered, Jane determines to say nothing which might lead Florence to suspect the truth. A falling spar injures Jim seriously. His battered craft reaches port the next morning and the fisherman is brought to the home of the sisters. Jim realizes how contemptible his conduct has been when Jane presently enters the room. After a moment's silence, the elder sister warns him that his life depends upon Florence's happiness. Florence enters the room and throws her arms about her husband's neck in a paroxysm of happiness. Meanwhile, Jane, her heart broken, gazes toward the sea, praying for strength to withstand the loneliness of the coming years.