Flattered by the attentions of dapper Jimmie Fitzgibbons, department store clerk Sarah Juke breaks off with her less glamorous sweetheart, Harry Smith, but returns to him when she learns that Harry has consumption; besides, Jimmie is fearful of any contact with Sarah.

Harry and Sarah marry, and the passing months see the couple happy but struggling to make ends meet.  Harry's failing health demands that he move to a milder climate, but Sarah's appeals to an aid society bring no solution.

Jimmie, now a successful song writer, reappears and hopes to lure Sarah away from Harry, but instead he loses $300 to her in wagers and is repulsed when he tries to make love to her.  Sarah takes the money to Harry with the explanation that she received it for dancing.