Proud old Major Neal disowns his only child, a beautiful girl, because he considers her marriage a misalliance. Years pass. The old major becomes a recluse feared by all. One morning (Christmas), a hamper is found beneath the Major's covered driveway. The butler and housekeeper (in the secret), carry the hamper to the library and present it to Neal. He is greatly puzzled and finding a card attached inscribed "To Major Neal," he opens the hamper, only to slam it hastily shut with a startled and angry expression. The hamper contains a baby girl. The old man orders the child taken from his presence, and advertises for the one who presumed to leave it to take it off. But no one claims the child, whose sweetness and innocent joys soon begin to move the old fellow's heart. The baby constantly makes advances, in spite of rebuffs, until the old man succumbs and worships the child, calling her "Little Sunbeam." Sunbeam is stricken with fever. Now is the mother's chance. She comes (the old family doctor aiding and abetting her), disguised as a nurse, and with a mother's untiring love and care nurses Sunbeam back from the shadowy brink. Old Major Neal and his disowned daughter meet at the bedside of the child, and through their great and mutual love for Sunbeam become forever reconciled.