A hard man is Lucius Stanley. Uncompromisingly upright, he lacks sympathy for characters weaker than his own. Thus, when his son John asks for money with which to some debts, the stern father refuses the boy's request. John is to inherit a fortune on his twenty-fifth birthday. Hard pressed, the boy takes money from his father's safe, salving his conscience by promising to return it when he receives his inheritance. Stanley discovers the theft. Despite the pleas of his wife and their daughter Margery, the father sends his son to jail. A year later, John spurns his father's advances. Discharged from prison, the boy hastens to New York. The blow prostrates Mr. Stanley. Margery quarrels with her father, blaming him for the change that has taken place in John. As the result, the girl leaves home. Proceeding to New York, Margery vainly endeavors to secure a position. John, meanwhile, is squandering his fortune in riotous living. Margery, failing to find a position as a chorus girl, excites the sympathy of a couple of actresses. They later invite her to accompany them to a dinner party. John is to be the host. Ignorant of this, Margery accompanies the girls. Thus, brother and sister meet. Unaware of the circumstances, John is appalled to find Margery in the company of his shady friends. The boy takes her to his apartments. While he learns her story, John receives a letter which warns him to come home if he desires to save his mother's life. Brother and sister start homeward. They arrive in time to hear their father's tearful admission that his stern conduct has caused the misery which has beset him. When Mrs. Stanley opens her eyes, she finds her son and daughter, their arms about their father, kneeling by her side.