Charles Kingsley and George Barr are both in love with Edith Marsden. Edith is partial to Charles. Soon after Charles has proposed to Edith, he finds himself financially embarrassed. At this time his mother's plea for financial assistance increases his embarrassment. As a last hope, after applying to many others for loans, Charles applies to George Barr, his friend, the district attorney. Barr, not having forgiven Kingsley for his success with Edith, decides to ruin his career. Barr sends Kingsley a check and when Kingsley attempts to cash it, he is held for forgery. Circumstantial evidence is against Charles and he is convicted of forgery. Conscience, in the meanwhile, plays havoc with Barr. He lives in constant terror of visions and nightmares. Finally, in order to expiate his crime, he goes out and traces Charles' mother and offers her his assistance. He meets Edith at Mrs. Kingsley's home, and she, seeing the man's softness of spirit, and not knowing his offense against her lover, accepts his offer of marriage. Years later Charles is pardoned. He sets out to avenge himself on the wrecker of his career, he then learns of all that Barr has done for his mother. He leaves Edith's photograph near their home with the inscription, "I forgive you and him." Some days later on their way out, Edith and Mr. Barr find the photograph. Edith understands the significance and turns away from her husband with hate and repudiation. So lives are blighted.
—Moving Picture World synopsis