Rosina Vonet, Philip Garth, and Matthew Garner, chafing against the narrow prejudices of Benjamin Stone, their guardian, determine to fulfill their ambitions in London: Rosina, a stage career; Philip, a career as a poet; and Matthew, a financial wizard. Philip, who loves Rosina, becomes despondent and alcoholic over his failure. Rosina obtains a role in a musical comedy; though also unsuccessful, she is charmed by Erwen, an author, who excites Philip's jealousy. Meanwhile, Matthew marries a wealthy widow and vindictively ruins his guardian's business while posing as a philanthropist. Intent on circumventing Rosina, Matthew persuades her to accept a job as a model with Madame Mathilde and schemes to seduce her. Erwen, Philip, and Matthew's irate wife denounce him, and his fortune is lost on the market. Philip wins a contract with a London editor and is happily reconciled with Rosina.