Irene Martin departs from her small hometown and goes to New York, dreaming of a career as an opera singer, leaving behind her family and sweetheart. She finds a part in the show on the Knickerbocker Roof and meets Henry Galt, a wealthy businessman, who asks her to a party. The next day she receives a box of roses and $50 from Galt, sent to her as payment for entertaining his guests. Deeply insulted, Irene goes to Galt to demand an apology and to return the money, but he explains that he often hires chorus girls to entertain prospective customers and then makes an agreement with Irene for her professional services. Entertaining at Galt's parties, Irene remains aloof, and Galt, who recognizes her worth, falls in love with her. Al Manning, Irene's sweetheart, is sent to New York to do business with Galt, and, finding Irene in Galt's company, he suspects the worst, "propositions" her, and informs her mother that Irene is a fallen woman.