Horace Blanchard, head bookkeeper for a city bank, works hard on the invention which for several years has made inroads into his savings. His daughter, Amy, also cherishes hopes for success, but along different lines. The girl aspires to win fame and wealth as a writer. Lewis, president of the bank, spends his time in dissolute living. His favorite of the hour is La Reine, a musical comedy actress. Lewis sees Amy and becomes enamored. Blanchard, knowing his employer's character, balks the latter's efforts to become acquainted with Amy. As time passes, Blanchard, pressed tor funds with which to continue his experiments, steals money from the bank. His cashier discovers the theft and reports it to Lewis. The latter, however, bids the cashier remain silent. Thus Blanchard is allowed to continue his peculations. When the amount stolen by the bookkeeper has assumed large proportions, Lewis calls upon him at his home. Amy, learning of the fate which confronts her aged father, is horrified. Lewis, madly infatuated with the girl and anxious to get her on any terms, promises to drop action against her father, provided she marries him. Amy agrees, but upon the condition that she shall remain Lewis' wife only until she, by her literary work, shall have repaired what her father has stolen. Believing by that time he will have tired of her, Lewis agrees. In her new home, Amy begins her martyrdom. Although Lewis showers her with every luxury, the girl does not hesitate to show the aversion she feels for him. This has the effect of increasing Lewis' love for her. Unable to break down the barrier, the husband mockingly taunts Amy with the conditions of their bargain; she is his until she can purchase her freedom. Amy remains silent and continues the literary efforts which are gradually winning her fame. La Reine meets Lewis, but her beauty has lost its charm for him. Milton Lacey, head of the publishing house which is purchasing Amy's works, falls in love with the girl. The latter, believing she returns Lacey's love, works night and day to purchase her freedom. As time passes, Lewis continues his desperate efforts to soften his wife's heart. Then comes the time when Amy hands him the check which she has received in payment for her latest book. The money represents the last installment of her purchase price. Free, the girl leaves her husband and takes up her home in the country. Lewis daily scourges himself for the contemptible part he has played. Amy becomes a mother. She accepts her maternity with bitter rebellion. Gradually, however, the sight of her son brings her back to her better self. Lewis unable to endure his life, goes to the country to catch a glimpse of Amy. The sight of his own child adds the last straw to his heart-hunger. In reverent wonder, the man kneels by his child's cradle and glories in his parenthood. Amy, coming upon him suddenly, snatches the child to her bosom and refuses him any rights over her little son. Her old housekeeper, touched by Lewis' grief, tries to effect a reconciliation. Amy wonders if it is her duty to forgive Lewis. She finally tells him that someday she may relent for their child's sake. Lewis, hopefully, waits.