Dr.  Edward Meade, a specialist in children's diseases, and Richard Burton, an architect, both enlist in the army in World War I.  Meade realizes that he is more greatly needed in the hospital ward than on the battlefield, and he stays home to serve the children.  Sylvia Norcross believes him to be a coward and marries Burton instead, on the eve of Burton's leaving for service.  Burton is loved by Betty Hoyt, but it is an unrequited love.

Later, after Sylvia has an automobile accident in which she injures a small girl and Meade successfully treats her, she realizes that courage, not cowardice, kept Meade at home.  News comes of Burton's death, but just as Meade and Sylvia are about to be married, Burton reappears.  He has actually survived but is badly disfigured.  Burton leaves them free to marry, and recognizes the true love of Betty.