Young wastrel Harvey Gaynor marries his father's ward, Ruth Sedley, with the promise that he will reform. While Harvey is in South America, his father, Judge Gaynor, discovers that his son has stolen bonds from a client named Carlton Steele. The latter insists on marrying Ruth, or he will press charges against the judge. Ruth consents, then travels to South America in search of Harvey, with Carleton in pursuit. She is shocked to discover her drunken first husband living with a South American woman. After the woman kills Harvey, Ruth and Carlton admit their love for each other.
—AFI