Jacqueline, a London gutter-snipe is "befriended" by Marius Andreani, a diplomat known for being a rounder with the ladies, but he goes pure with Jacqueline, resolved to help her to the heights of Terpsichore, for which she has a talent. But the friend of his, an elderly benefactor who secretly advanced the funds, through a priest, makes a play for her while she is climbing the ladder to success. He also has Marius appointed to a diplomatic post in Shanghai.