In 1905, Jessie Todd reads psychologist Basil Pew's book The Woman Behind the Man and becomes inspired to instill the "will to do" in her husband Wilbur. Following a chapter from the book, Jessie coaches Wilbur on how to ask for a raise from his boss, Mr. Kirkwood, the owner of a furniture manufacturing company. Although Wilbur forgets his rehearsed speech, Kirkwood promotes him to supervise the Chicago plant. Deciding that Wilbur should now improve his appearance, Jessie sends him to work wearing a cut-away coat and derby. Wilbur's formal attire leads his fellow workers to believe that there has been a death in the family, and Kirkwood gives him the day off. Retreating to a public park, Wilbur is targeted as a symbol of wealthy indolence by a group of agitators and is stoned. While fleeing from his assailants, Wilbur runs into a ceremony being held to dedicate a park monument. Because of his dress, Wilbur is mistaken for the tardy playground commissioner and photographed with Mrs.