Hugh Conway, a young college student, takes Leone St. Regis, of doubtful morals, to a fraternity tea. He is requested to withdraw because of Leone. An argument follows and Hugh knocks one of his fellow students down, then withdraws with Leone. For his misdemeanor he is expelled from college. He goes to the home of Leone to say farewell. She uses every art at her command to persuade him to stay with her, but he remains obdurate. A heated argument follows, during which Hugh becomes so furious that he is about to strike Leone when the maid enters with the tea. Hugh orders her roughly from the room, then gives his parting words to Leone, that he is done with her forever, and exits. Leone, almost crazed by his desertion, goes to her room and seriously wounds herself with a pistol shot. A loud report is heard and maid and butler rush into Leones room. Leone, regaining consciousness, charges Hugh with the crime, to avenge herself for his desertion. The officers arrive, learn the supposed facts of the case, and later Hugh is arrested for attempted murder. The evidence being so strong against him, he is sentenced for seven years. Leone is jubilant over his conviction. Five years elapse. Hugh escapes from prison. The growth of a Vandyke beard and mustache, together with the prison pallor, effectually disguise him almost beyond recognition and he seeks solitude in his summer home. James Stark, a resident, receives notice that his note for $2,000 and bearing interest is due to Samuel J. Elder. His son, Dick Stark, an inveterate gambler, requires money. His father, unable to give him it because he has but half of the amount required for the payment of the note, is forced to refuse. Stark appeals to Elder for an extension of time, which is refused. Elder even refusing to take half the amount. The evil brain of Dick concocts a plan by which he may obtain the note for a sum of $500, to which his father reluctantly agrees. Hugh goes out for a ride, dismounts in the roadway near a mansion to remove pebbles from his horses hoof and is about to remount, when casting his eyes through an iron fence, he meets those of Ruth, the daughter of Elder, gazing upon him. In a shady lane, Hugh hears the approach of rapid hoof beats: he draws in at the side and three ruffians ride rapidly by. Hugh strikes off into the woods. Further on the ruffians dismount. Elder enters the scene on horseback and is waylaid by them. Hugh springs from the side of the road to the rescue and engages in a terrific battle with two of them, the third going through Elders pockets and taking all papers therein. The three men then escape. Hugh recognizes in Elder the lawyer who defended him at his trial and assists him to his horse and home, where it is discovered that a paper incriminating Elder has been stolen by the ruffians. Hugh makes known his true identity to Elder, who has all along believed in his innocence. Elder introduces him to his daughter Ruth under an assumed name. Thus the lovers are brought together. In the meantime Dick Stark hag received the papers taken from Elder and delivers them to his father, who finds not only the note but the incriminating paper which now gives him the greater power over the man who would give him no quarter. Hugh declares his love for Ruth. It is returned. Elder discovers them in embrace. Hugh asks for his daughters hand. Elder agrees to give it if Hugh will find the missing papers. Stark calls upon Elder and demands the hand of his daughter for his son, Dick. The scene is overheard by Hugh, who follows them to their home and locates the hiding place of the missing papers. The following day Stark takes his son to see his fiancée. Hugh obtains the papers during his absence and with a sheriff goes to the home of Elder, where Stark and his son are arrested. The papers are safely returned to Elder. Hugh claims his reward, Ruth. A month later, Hugh and Ruth, now married, attend a dog show, where he again meets his Nemesis, Leone. Upon their return home, he receives a telegram from her, demanding his immediate presence. Realizing that it is in her power to destroy his present happiness, he goes. Upon his arrival, she demands that he leave his wife and come to her. This he refuses to do, ignoring threats made by her to send him back to prison and to tell his wife. Excusing herself for a moment, she phones his wife to come to her home immediately if she would know the whereabouts of her husband. Her jealousy aroused, Ruth starts for Leones home. In the meantime, Elder calls on his old friend, Dr. Pierce. Ruth arrives in time to see that which convinces her of her husbands seeming unfaithfulness. A scene takes place, during which, in the presence of his wife, Hugh confesses all. The wifes heart softens, she takes Hugh home, leaving Leone to do her worst. Her final plan having failed, Leone goes mad, writes a letter to the police denouncing Hugh as an escaped convict. The servants discovering her plight send for Dr. Pierce, who responds to the call, taking Elder with him. The doctor, on his arrival, finds the note, calls Elder and shows him. The doctor administers an opiate which quiets the now mad Leone. Elder persuades her to sign a confession which win clear his son-in-law. She does so, then dies quietly. Elder and the doctor go to the home of Hugh, who is about to flee. Elder arrives arrives in time, and, producing the confession which clears his name, quiets Ruths suspicions and removes the tangle from the web of their lives. -- Moving Picture World synopsis