Orchid, a New York chorus girl, lives in a cheap tenement with her brother Buddy, who jealously guards his sister against wealthy men who might plot to corrupt her.

Young Brian Alden, an uptown society man, bored with a New Year's Eve party, joins the merrymakers in Times Square and finds himself thrown against Orchid, who is on her way to a public dancehall; separated from Buddy, she strikes up an acquaintance with Alden, whom she takes to be a waiter.

Amused by the girl's vibrant personality, Alden seeks her out the following night, and Buddy is informed that he is an uptown "swell."  Although arousing her brother's suspicions, Orchid consents to Alden's plan that she study social etiquette with his Aunt Agatha during his business travels.

Disappointed at finding Orchid transformed into an artificial society flower, Alden admits his mistake; and Orchid, after assuring her jealous brother that Alden will marry her, accepts Alden's apology and proposal.