Unscrupulous ladies' man Ralph Gorse works his charm on a wealthy widow, tempting her to invest in a business venture. In a bid to discredit his 'love rival' by arranging a visit to a house of ill repute he risks really losing his heart to the beautiful Clarice Manners.

Ralph pursues Mrs Plumleigh-Bruce with a vengeance but she lets it be known his financial embarrassment could be an impediment to romance. He reassures her the investment is in safe hands, but Stimpson begins to have doubts about the young scoundrel.