In spite of his wife's earnest appeals, Jack Norris refuses to give up gambling, and after squandering all they possess in the world, suddenly disappears, leaving the unfortunate woman to support herself and her little daughter. Thrown upon her own resources, she is finally compelled by necessity to accept a proposition from unscrupulous money sharks to take charge of a fashionable gambling house. Her education and refinement have fitted her to become a most efficient manager, and in five years' time she fully realizes her employer's ambitions. The most fashionable people in the town find in her their natural leader, and are easily held under her sway. One day, however, her heart stands still, when she receives a letter from her daughter, Dorothy, who is attending boarding school, stating that she has passed her final examinations and is waiting to be taken home. Mrs. Norris pleads with the employers to relinquish her from the infamous contract, but without avail. Dorothy is brought to live at her mother's apartment, but is scrupulously kept in ignorance of her mother's position. One evening a brilliant entertainment is given and the unsuspecting girl is radiantly happy amidst it all, when suddenly she overhears a loud dispute among several of the guests engaged in a game of cards in an adjoining room, and the true character of the establishment is revealed. In a flood of tears, she rushes to her room, and later, when her mother comes to comfort her. Dorothy explains that she now understands why her fiancé, the son of a high official, has determined to break off their engagement because of her mother's ambiguous position. Mrs. Norris is in deep despair. Her daughter's happiness is paramount; it must be preserved at any cost, and without delay. Accompanied by Dorothy, she pays a visit to the young man and asks him if he will withdraw his objections if she agrees to go away forever. He finally consents, and, with a last sad farewell, the heartbroken mother leaves them clasped in each other's arms.