The heartless stepmother apprentices little Gianni to a chimney-sweep, by whom he is cruelly treated. Other children shrink from his grimy garments and sad face, but Nina, the child of rich parents, gives him pennies, toys and clothes. Nina becomes very ill and in her delirium cries for Gianni, who comes to the bedside of the dying girl. Every day be brings flowers to the little grave and is seen by Nina's mother, who, deeply touched by his devotion to her departed darling, takes him into her home and gives him a mother's love.
—Moving Picture World synopsis