Jack Ashton is in love with Pauline Grey, but Pauline's parents are of the opinion that Jack's position in life is not high enough to give him the honor of the hand of their daughter in marriage. Pauline's father explains this to Jack, who sacrifices himself for the supposed future happiness of the girl, and accepts the position as mining engineer in the west. Robert Morris, aged and wealthy suitor, wins the hand of Pauline through the urgencies of her parents. Ashton in the west, meets Eve Wilson, the unfortunate wife of a cruel husband. He gains the love of Eve, because he has rescued her from her husband's abuse. When his cruelty becomes too great for Eve to bear, she leaves her husband and goes to Jack's home where she is employed as a housekeeper. Morris speculates in stocks to retrieve his fallen fortunes and loses. With the loss of his money, he takes his own life. Pauline has never forgotten Jack Ashton and upon the death of her aged husband, she writes him, telling Jack that she is waiting for him to return. Jack receives this letter, but appreciating that Eve loves him dearly, that he has sheltered her, he writes to this effect to Pauline. Just as he completes the letter, he is notified of an explosion in the mine. He rushes to aid in rescue work, and then it is that the letter he leaves behind is read by Eve. Eve finally learns that Jack Ashton loves another. She resolves not to stand between him and the woman of his choice. She writes him a letter containing the fictitious statement that her husband has sought a reconciliation with her, and she has agreed to join him. Eve then wanders homeless out into the world, while Ashton freed, joins Pauline.