When Josiah Whitcomb's son gets into trouble with bad companions in New York City, Josiah leaves the farm and goes into the city to find the boy. There he finds that his country ways are not at all respected in the sophisticated city.

Letty, a minister's daughter, rejects her devoted admirer George for the deceptive Captain Fanshawe. After Fanshawe ruins her reputation by tricking her into an overnight city trip, her father resigns in shame. Following a scarlet fever epidemic, the characters find redemption, and George ultimately marries Letty.