Arthur Matthews, a successful writer, and a man of broad sympathies, singles out of the breadline Kerwood, an unkempt wreck of a man, whom yet he discerns to be a person of good breeding. He takes him to his home, and learning that he was formerly on a newspaper, makes him his secretary. On introducing Kerwood to his wife, Matthews fails to notice the startled look of recognition, which flashes between them. The servants become aware of clandestine meetings between their mistress and the stranger. Matthews overhears some of the servants' gossip, and soon after surprises his wife and secretary together. That same night Kerwood and Mrs. Matthews meet ready to leave the house, each carrying a suitcase. The butler sees them and warns Matthews, who, infuriated, snatches up a pistol and rushes into the library. A struggle ensues, and Matthews is on the point of shooting Kerwood, when his wife manages to attract his attention to a note she has left on the table. Then he learns that his secretary is the wife's reprobate brother, whose identity she has not dared to disclose. She had planned secretly to take him home to her father to beg for his forgiveness.
