Peggy Ainslee, the daughter of a wealthy broker, tires of the empty life of society, and determines on a mission of charity and uplift in the poor quarters of New York City. She confers with Charles Hathaway, a settlement worker, who conducts her on several tours among the needy. Peggy is engaged to marry Algie Sherwood, a social idler, and it is arranged to announce their engagement at a birthday party given in her honor. Isabelle Rawlston is also in love with Sherwood, and determines to break up his match with Peggy. On the night of the birthday party Isabelle intimates to Sherwood that Peggy's interest in Hathaway is one other than charity. He becomes jealous and tells Peggy she must give up her settlement work. She refuses and returns the engagement ring. Peggy receives from her father, for her birthday gift, stock in Consolidated Cotton, valued at $50,000. This she puts away, intending to use it in her charities.