An artist, Brian McCree adopts 12 year old orphan Perpetua, and they move to France living a carefree life as members in a circus. Trouble begins when Russell Felton, a swindler recognizes Perpetua as his former wife's daughter. He blackmails the girl into marrying Mender, his drunkard friend who has willed him his fortune. When Mender ends up poisoned, Perpetula is suspected of murder as she had received the legal rights to his money. She is found guilty, but later because of Felton's confession she is acquitted. Felton is murdered by a former accomplice and the now free Perpetua professes her love for Brian.