The story of the development of a humorless young Scotchman whose great political success is due entirely to his wife. A young and very earnest Scotch youth steals into the home of well-to-do people in order to get books to help him get on in the world. He is caught in the act and makes an agreement with the family whereby they are to support him until he gets his start. In return for this he is to marry the very plain daughter of the family. He sticks to his promise and the woman makes him a success. In the end he comes to realize the great charm and remarkable ability of the girl who has helped him.