Hermia Challoner, nicknamed the Madcap, has become so satisfied with luxury that she seeks happiness in danger and excitement. Her friend, Countess Olga Tcherny, introduces her to John Markham, a portrait painter. Although he interests Hermia, she is piqued at his treatment of her. Markham later goes to an isolated island to paint. Hermia, who has a country estate on the mainland, goes aeroplaning and purposely lands on the island. She disables the machine in landing, and Markham, who meets her, tells her that no boat will stop at the island for three days. Olga and others arrive. Meanwhile the aeroplane has been fixed and Hermia flies home. Markham afterwards spends a week-end at Hermia's home. Hidden from sight in a high-backed chair, Hermia overhears Markham tell Olga he starts for Normandy on the morrow. Later Olga tells Hermia she thinks she will take a trip to Normandy, and Olga, who has become rather jealous of Hermia, is surprised and displeased when Hermia tells her that she ...