At the outbreak of the Civil War, May Blossom, the belle of a Southern fishing village, becomes engaged to the dashing Richard Ashcroft, even though her father's choice, Steve Harland, also loves her dearly. Steve witnesses Richard's arrest as a Southern spy, and as the Union soldiers lead him away, Richard begs Steve to tell Mary that he will return for her. Believing that his rival will be shot, however, Steve claims that Richard has drowned, and eventually, May yields to Steve's entreaties and marries him. Just after their daughter is born, Richard returns, and May, distressed by Steve's duplicity but loath to break up her family, orders both men to leave her. On the battlefield, Steve is captured while trying to save Richard's life, a fact that the latter conveys to May in a letter. Realizing his great love for her, May forgives Steve and warmly welcomes him home upon his release from prison.