Polly Vance is at a loss as to where to get the next day's food. The children scream, "Polly, put the kettle on," but she finds only a few tea leaves. The kids are disappointed when they find no jam. Polly, though only eighteen, has been mothering these children a long time. Polly enters her father's workroom, where he is poring over the plans for the invention which he is confident will bring them riches. He becomes irritated when Polly reminds him of their poverty, and she leaves the room. Polly obtains a position with Johanna Webb, a spinster. Chester Creigg, Miss Webb's nephew, has completed his preparations for leaving home. He is returning to college, this being his finishing year. Chester is impressed with Polly's good looks and there seems to be a mutual attraction. After some weeks Polly is overjoyed to learn that Chester is coming home. Chester has been awarded a prize at college for writing the best play. In the meantime Vance, Polly's father, has completed his invention.