Two ambitious young fellows, John Colby and Tom Donaldson, start their commercial careers in the same large steel works. Katherine Holt marries John Colby after he receives a promotion in the iron works. Katherine is desirous of having children, but when Colby wishes to wait until he has attained further success in life, she consents. Katherine fulfills her motherly yearnings by lavishing her affection on the children of Tom and Grace Donaldson.

The Donaldsons cannot go into society owing to family expenses. John is successful, buys an auto and enters the wider social life. Stephen Phillips, son of the iron works owner, still loves Katherine, who previously rejected him. Colby goes still higher up the promotion ladder, but still sets his face against Katherine having children. He neglects his home in favor of business. Phillips urges Katherine to divorce Colby and wed him, but she refuses. Colby apologizes to Katherine for his indifference and promises that when he is appointed manager there will be no further obstacle to her wishes.

Katherine is injured in an automobile accident. * Colby, appointed manager, hurries to the hospital. When she is well enough to bear the news, the doctors tell Katherine that her injuries will prevent her from realizing her fondest hope. For Katherine Colby motherhood will never be realized. Broken-hearted, she can only think of the happiness of the homes that are filled with the music of childish laughter. She reproaches her husband, who realizes that he has sacrificed the better things in life in his pursuit of wealth.

* In the two published descriptions of the plot I have read on this film, one states that the Colby's were driving together when the accident occured. "While on a motor ride with her husband their car is upset and Mrs. Colby is badly injured."