The quick-tempered masculine old woman has a meek husband and two children who would starve were it not for her efforts. When her son comes home from a spree with the boys she turns him out of doors. The excitement induces an apoplectic stroke, and she dies. Without her, the father and daughter soon are helpless, and at last are evicted from the old home. An orphan boy whom they have treated kindly, casts in his lot with them. In the city the three get work in a cheap restaurant, the old man carrying a banner while his daughter washes dishes and the orphan peels potatoes. The latter often has to take the part of his friends when the manager bullies them. The old man's son has become a sailor, and after a successful voyage he returns home. Two girls give him a sailor's welcome, and he is going off with them when, in the window of the cheap restaurant, he sees his father, an object of ridicule to the passing crowd. Dashing in, he pulls the old man out of the window and makes short work of the manager when the latter interferes. In the kitchen the girl, who has just been hectored by the manager, hears the commotion. Her protector hears it also. Both come into the dining room and are carried off in triumph by the sailor, who inherits his mother's character and ability. The reunited family sits down to a gorgeous dinner.
—Moving Picture World synopsis