Ethel, the young daughter of the wealthy Wiltons, is stolen by Effie Sprout, a woman of the slums. Fifteen years later the girl has succumbed to her environment. The gentle traits she has inherited, however, come to the surface from time to time. Dr. Westcott becomes interested in Ethel and determines to develop her better self. In attempting to burglarize Westcott's room, Ethel is injured. While in the hospital, she repulses Dr. Westcott's advances, until the latter succeeds in arousing her jealousy. Ethel thereupon attempts suicide. Westcott saves her, and in doing so, discovers Ethel's identity. With the end of her illness, the girl's better nature returns to remain forever and she becomes Westcott's wife.