The story opens with an allegorical prologue, which presents various personified vices, including ambition and greed, then moves into the following drama. Arnold, a fighter against child labor and other social ills, comes under the influence of Rhoda, an ambitious clubwoman, who helps him to win the gubernatorial nomination. Arnold meets and falls in love with Jane, a respected writer, and they soon marry. All goes well until Jane becomes pregnant. Hard at work on a child labor bill and winning the governorship, Arnold feels that a baby would be an encumbrance to his career. At first elated by her pregnancy, Jane gradually is talked out of having the baby by Rhoda and Arnold. Because she suffers acute depression, Jane visits Dr. Brainard and confesses her troubles. Arnold is elected governor, but because Jane dies soon afterward, he no longer cares about living. After dreaming of his unborn son, Arnold awakens to find his wife beside him, joyful that his ordeal has been only a nightmare. -AFI
Constance Bennett had a bit part in this film.