Jonathan Jinks, a man known for his charm, gets into a bet about seducing opera star Aurelia Trentoni, leading to a series of comical misunderstandings and a secret engagement before a happy resolution.

Reverend Darwin Kirby falls in love with a woman described as fond of "all the gaieties of life". She refuses to marry him, and ultimately, the Reverend abandons his ministry for the sake of his love for her.

Margaret Fowler is a daughter of the city. Her mother, mean and avaricious, ground down to poverty, is willing to sacrifice her daughter's happiness and love for wealth and position. The girl longs for the beautiful things of life. Prompted by her own mother's pleadings, she turns her back on love.