Plot

Laura Sutphen breaks off her engagement with Donald Loring because he drinks excessively and she refuses to see him socially. When her automobile breaks down in front of a friend's empty estate during a storm, Laura is forced to spend the night with Von Kolnitz, a rich foreigner also stranded by the weather. After ignoring Donald's advice to get out, Laura receives a threatening phone call from the editor of the Tattle Tale . To keep her name out of the gossip newspaper, Laura agrees to invite Sue Schuyler, her best friend and an incurable flirt, and Von Kolnitz to a party and to allow Donald to attend as an employee of the Tattle Tale . At the party, Sue and Von Kolnitz arrange a compromising midnight rendezvous at which Donald appears with a camera. After a series of misunderstandings with Laura, Donald reveals himself to be a secret service agent and exposes Von Kolnitz as a social blackmailer. Her faith restored, Laura is reconciled with Donald.—Pamela Short

Laura Sutphen, daughter of wealthy John Suphen, breaks off her engagement with Donald Loring because of his dissipation. Loring is visited by Reyburn, the district attorney, who gives him sonic sound advice. Laura's friend, Sue Schuyler, has aroused the comments of the gossips by her flirtation with the distinguished foreigner. Von Kolnitz. Laura's runabout breaks down in front of the Grandin home, while the Grandins are away, and a storm forces her to remain overnight. Von Kolnitz calls to see Mr. Grandin. The last train has gone, so Laura bids him remain for the night. Donald Loring also calls and after explanations, he suggests that he had better escort her home. Laura refuses, and he leaves alone. At her home next day, Laura is threatened over the telephone by the editor of the "Tattle Tale," who says a full account of her adventure will be published if she does not meet his terms. As she enters the office, she sees Donald Loring leave by another door, showing that it was he who gave the information. The editor agrees to suppress the story if she will invite Herr Von Kolnitz and Sue Schuyler to her next house party, also Donald to represent the "Tattle Tale." Laura consents. Sue Schuyler and Von Kolnitz are unduly friendly at the house party. That evening, Laura overhears them agree to a secret meeting in the alcove off the drawing room at midnight. She sees Donald conceal himself near the alcove, and to punish him for spying, Laura dons a negligee and meets Von Kolnitz herself. Sue hears Von Kolnitz talking and sees Laura evidently making love to him while he repulses her advances. Donald is puzzled, but keeps in hiding and soon returns without being seen. The next morning, when Sue requests an explanation of Von Kolnitz, he replies that since she overheard all, no explanation is needed, and begs her to meet him that night. Laura suggests that Donald leave. He is hurt, but refuses, claiming that she will need him. At midnight, Laura is shocked to see Sue in Von Kolnitz's embrace, and Donald preparing to take a flashlight of them. She tries to stop him but too late, and Donald takes the picture. Sue and Von Kolnitz are startled, and Laura, not understanding Donald's motive, urges Von Kolnitz to take the camera away from him. Donald explains that he is a secret service agent and that he has caught Von Kolnitz about to take a photograph of his compromising position with Sue for the purpose of levying blackmail. Von Kolnitz, quickly regaining his composure, declares that despite all their efforts, Sue's name will be mentioned. Laura promptly comes to the rescue by saying that Mrs. Schuyler has been assisting her and Donald with this case for the purpose of exposing Von Kolnitz. Donald gives a signal and plainclothes men seize the distinguished foreigner. After all are gone, Donald asks permission to place the engagement ring again on Laura's finger, and realizing that her lover has now made a man of himself, she consents.