Thomas S. Berford, a successful young businessman, becomes engaged to Alicia Stone, the daughter of his primary business rival. George Stone, who loathes Tom, sets out to ruin him in love and commerce, hiring Claire to proclaim publicly that she and Tom have been married for several years. Tom cannot disprove her statement, and Claire moves into his house, establishing herself as his wife. After numerous complications, Claire repents of her duplicity and exposes Stone's plot. Tom then marries Alicia.