Object: Alimony

Ruth Butler, a clerk in an emporium, marries Jimmy Rutledge, thereby greatly displeasing his mother, the emporium's owner, because of Ruth's lowly origins. Renaud Graham, one of Mrs. Rutledge's friends, becomes interested in Ruth, forces his way into her apartment and attempts to make violent love to her. Jimmy walks in on their embrace, suspects the worst, and leaves Ruth. In the family way, Ruth finds refuge in a boarding-house, where she meets aspiring writer Al Bryant. Ruth tells Al her life story and he makes it into a best-selling novel and then into a play. Jimmy sees the play, comes to his senses, winning Ruth's forgiveness.