Alick Wylie (David Torrence) and his sons David (Donald Crisp) and James (Dudley Digges (actor)) are greatly concerned about Alick's daughter Maggie (Helen Hayes), who has been jilted by a minister. She is less than heartbroken, but they fear for her marital prospects at the age of 27. When they catch poor but ambitious 21-year-old John Shand (Brian Ahern) breaking into their house late at night to use their library, they seize the opportunity. Impressed by his initiative, they offer him £300 to finance his studies provided that he give Maggie the option of marrying him after five years. After some thought, he agrees. The Wylies insist he sign a formal contract.