Gerrardi, an Italian, has come to America and saved enough to send for his sweetheart, Francelia. He finds enjoyment in preparing for her coming. He confides his secret to one of his customers, an attorney, John Wainwright. On the passage over Francelia, traveling steerage, is insulted by a drunken passenger, and Paul Arnold, an artist, comes to her rescue. Her beauty appeals to him and he engages a first-class cabin for her. She tells him about her lover who is waiting to welcome her. But Arnold has other plans. He knows that the steerage passengers exit by a different passage than do the cabin passengers. She leaves the ship with him. When she does not see Gerrardi, Arnold suggests that she go with him to his mother until they can locate her lover. She reluctantly consents. At Arnold's studio she learns there is no mother, but knowing no one and being unable to speak English, she accepts conditions as she finds them. One day while driving with Arnold and waiting to make a crossing she sees Gerrardi. At first overjoyed, she then realizes the life she is living and hides her face in shame. Gerrardi has seen her, and he goes in search of her. His quest is in vain. When he returns he finds Francelia at his home. Weepingly she tells her story, and, Gerrardi leaves to find Arnold. The two struggle in the studio and Gerrardi kills Arnold. At the trial Wainwright is his attorney. He calls Francelia as a witness. She tells her story and gains freedom for her lover, who later becomes her husband.
