Clive Herbert, the Duke of Cheshire's younger brother, about to leave England to relieve his boredom, falls in love with Helena, the unhappy Duchess of Harwich, who, to save her father's name, was forced to marry a corrupt duke who treats her cruelly. Although she loves Clive, Helena will not leave with him because she does not want to sully this love. When the crippled Harwich returns from France, where he was treated for paralysis brought on while forcing his attentions on Helena, he maliciously taunts Helena and Clive. After Clive's brother dies, Clive becomes a duke and a member of the House of Lords, and nearly marries Cornelia Kirby, an American heiress, so he can keep up the family estate. Harwich dies without leaving Helena anything, but after Cornelia's Chicago sweetheart Howard McClintock takes her back, and Clive becomes the Ambassador to the U.S., he marries Helena.