A bronze gate guards the entrance to the grounds surrounding the home of the high-born child. The little beggar maid peering wistfully through the bars, sees him, a hopeless cripple, sitting in his chair. Thus their friendship commences. As time goes on, the high-born child gives the beggar maid many of his toys. But of all his gifts, she prizes most a little white flower. A servant notices the intimacy between the two. She drives the beggar maid away. Because he is deprived of her cheery friendship, the high-born child pines away. The beggar maid learns he is ill. She creeps under the bronze gate and goes toward the house. As she mounts the steps, the doctor comes from the house and tells her the little cripple has just died. The beggar maid is hungry, weary and ill. She wanders toward the riverside and lies down to rest by the side of the stream. Then comes a dream. The high-born child beckons to her; she follows. Late that night, a policeman making his rounds finds a little form, clasping a withered flower, lying by the riverside.