Left penniless by her mother's death, pretty young Louise is forced to marry Joel Mazarine, a morose, miserly old man to whom she is in debt. Joel treats Louise cruelly, and she is miserable until she meets handsome young rancher Orlando Guise. When Orlando is compelled to stay at Joel's ranch to recuperate from a bullet wound, the old man angrily watches as the two young people fall helplessly in love. Later, Louise is injured while riding her pony in the woods, and when she fails to return home, Joel accuses Orlando of absconding with her. Orlando then finds Louise and takes her home, whereupon Joel beats her mercilessly. Louise's loyal servant, Li Choo, kills Joel, but Orlando is accused of the crime. Li Choo's confession, however, clears Orlando's name and leaves him free to marry Louise.