Dancing through the forest surrounding a lake far up in the mountains, Anita of the Forest, a beautiful child of nature, sees two campers on the opposite shore. Frightened, she runs away. The following day she suddenly comes face to face with Earle, one of the campers, and he falls in love at first sight. They gaze at each other a brief moment, then her shyness causes her to dash into the dense woods and hide. She meets Herbert, the other camper, who attempts to seize her, but she quickly eludes him and goes to her only friend and confidante, an old minister. She tells him of the two strangers, and he warns her against Herbert. Earle and the forest girl meet again, and she introduces him to the old minister, who approves of the young man. Later, they confess their love, and Earle places a ring on her finger. Then, for the first time, a man's lips touch hers. Shortly afterwards, the girl is caught by Herbert, who attempts to force his undesirable attentions upon her. Just then the minister appears, and warns the fellow to keep away from the girl. When Herbert learns Earle is engaged to Anita, he endeavors to persuade him to renounce her, telling him of the aspirations he is leaving behind for the sake of an unsophisticated girl. Anita overhears them and sorrowfully hands her ring to Earle. He tenderly replaces it and tells Herbert he intends to marry Anita and that their friendship is at an end. The two men part company and Earle and his bride-to-be go to the old minister, where, amidst the beautiful woodland bowers, they are made man and wife.