It was not altogether Nance Olden's fault that she was an inmate of the Charity House; neither was she to blame for being forced to escape. Falsely accused of theft, and cruelly punished, she decides to rid herself forever of the matron's persecution. Pursued by the police, she takes refuge in the room of Tom Dorgan, the crook, where later he finds her. Both refugees from a doubtful justice, their common lot inspires them to establish a partnership in crime. After a daring theft of jewels, the loss of which is almost immediately discovered, Nance, in terrified despair eludes the police by jumping into "the bishop's carriage." From this incident a chain of thrilling adventures progress, until Nance is again rescued from the police by the timely intervention of Obermuller, a theatrical manager, who is impressed with her mimic talent and who offers her a position on the stage and a chance to travel the straight road. Now occurs a bitter contest between Dorgan and Obermuller for Nance's loyalty, which is culminated by the arrest and conviction of Tom. Nance's admiration for Obermuller ripens into requited love, and she attains fame and fortune as an actress. And then a shadow of the past crosses her path; Tom escapes and returns to claim her, but his purpose is defeated by Obermuller. Only once more is she tempted by the old fascination, only once more she steals, an illegal contract from the theatrical syndicate that is attempting to crush Obermuller, and then she really conquers the preying weakness, marries Obermuller and drinks the sweets of a righteous existence.
—Moving Picture World synopsis