Tightwad realizes it is the anniversary of his marriage, but hates to part with money for a gift. He finally enters a statuary store. By accident, Tightwad breaks an expensive piece of statuary and is forced to pay for it. An idea strikes him. He orders the broken pieces sent home, with the idea of making his wife believe the breakage occurred in transit. A lady purchases a piece of statuary identical to Tightwad's. The two become mixed and the good statue is delivered to Mrs. Tightwad. She is overjoyed. Later, she learns that she should have received the ruined piece and in her anger makes things hot for her husband. A messenger delivers a beautiful pearl necklace. Mrs. Tightwad pauses in her tongue-lashing to examine the gift. Believing her husband has given it to her as a surprise, she is remorse-stricken and lavishes affection upon him. Tightwad knows the necklace should have been delivered to a neighbor. He rushes from the house before the mistake is discovered and induces the neighbor to accept a check for the necklace. One mistake was sufficient; he chances no more samples of his wife's displeasure.
—Moving Picture World synopsis