Catherine Ames impulsively marries district attorney James Darwin after suffering Wilbur Emerson's neglect. Emerson turns to a career of high finance, but borrows unlawfully on notes to avoid disaster. Darwin prosecutes the investigation case. One of Emerson's business associates, George Cowper, gives a signed confession to Darwin. Emerson breaks into Catherine's room to obtain the confession, but is caught by Darwin, who accuses his wife of unfaithfulness.