John R. Bradley, a wealthy ship builder, seeks a title for his daughter, Miriam. Mr. Bradley introduces Baron de Coverly, a fortune hunter to Miriam. The baron becomes an ardent suitor and after a short courtship Miriam consents to be his wife. They start for a long cruise on Mr. Bradley's new schooner, Carpathia. Captain Hastings is taking his son, Gilbert, a rising young artist, on the cruise. Miriam and Gilbert become friends and the jealousy of the baron is aroused. During a drunken frenzy the baron sets fire to the schooner.