Jack Duluth, together with Ronald Sheldon, is the owner of a wealthy publishing house and considers his co-owner to be his best friend. That's why he is greatly upset that his son Bill has fallen in love with Ronald's young new wife Jean. Jean and her poor, eccentric family are completely financially dependent on Sheldon. Especially her father, an unrecognized writer who expects the publisher to publish his controversial writings. However, the young people's mutual romantic attraction soon becomes apparent, and Sheldon explodes. He intends to sever his friendly ties not only with Duluth and his son, but also to expel his wife and her family from his home. The next day, however, the servant finds him shot dead. Bill is arrested, having taken the murder weapon.