Tom Ingraham, who has been rescued from the clutches of Lina, a siren, meets Ruth. Knowing the marriage would please his wealthy uncle Macy, Tom makes the girl his wife. Ruth soon discovers the marriage to be a loveless one. Tom's hopes of inheriting a fortune are blasted when Macy is ruined. The boy meets Lina and is persuaded to desert his wife. Ruth subsequently obtains a divorce, her freedom coming shortly before her daughter's birth. Several years later, Ruth accepts a position in the home of Marston, a widower, as governess. When Marston urges her to marry him, Ruth declines, telling him her story. She further declares that she knows Tom will need her someday. Tom and Lina quarrel. The adventuress seizes her pistol to defend herself. The weapon is accidentally discharged and Lina falls in a faint. Under the impression that he has killed her, Tom flees. He is pursued by officers who have heard the shot. In an effort to escape, the fugitive ducks into the Marston home, and comes face to face with Ruth. Heeding the wretch's pleas, Ruth hides him in a closet and then throws the police off the track. Marston returns home before Tom can emerge. His suspicions aroused by Ruth's conduct, Marston investigates and discovers the man in hiding. Ruth then reveals the circumstances, telling the widower of Tom's identity. His heart touched, Marston allows the man to leave the house. Tom, however, walks right into the hands of an officer outside. Taking Ruth in his arms, Marston again asks her to marry him.