A novelist has to chose between his wealthy patron and a penniless romantic.

Geoffrey Clarke, a poet always in need of money, decides to resolve his financial plight by marrying wealthy widow Alice Frayne, though he is madly pursued by beautiful Monica Grey. He counters Monica's disappointment with the argument that she would be happier married to Austin Lowe, a wealthy young chemist who loves her. Geoffrey arranges for Monica to dine with Austin in his (Geoffrey's) apartment; and though she treats Austin rudely, upon discovering a check that Mrs. Frayne has given Geoffrey she denounces him and agrees to marry Austin. Later, she desperately announces that Geoffrey has compromised her and insists that he marry her; consequently, Mrs. Frayne breaks the engagement. Austin, mortified at Monica's story, tries to shoot Geoffrey; and when she learns of this action, Monica realizes that Austin is her man. Meanwhile, as they sail for Europe, Clarke is reconciled with Mrs. Frayne.