After twenty years of absence, in which time he has become wealthy, Lloyd Kent returns to his home town. During his journeying he has kept the memory of his boyhood sweetheart, Emily Lester who jilted him in a moment of pique, and married his rival, John Rand. Kent finds her a widow in moderate circumstances with a daughter of eighteen. The mother’s happiness at the return of the man whose image she has held enshrined during the years, is soon repressed by mother-love as she realizes that Kent’s attention is directed less to her plain, unattractive self then at the daughter, who is the counter-part of the sweetheart he remembers. Betty is dazzled by his attentions and wealth. Hal Edwards, “the boy next door,” shines less brightly in her imagination than before the advent of Kent. With the affections of both men within her hand, Betty is far inclined towards the older suitor, when, unknown to her mother, Betty comes upon her in an unguarded moment, and is given to see into the sacred places of her mother’s life and she unveils the secret of her love and sorrow, uncloaked of mother-love. In that moment of revelation, Betty’s choice is determined and a plan evolved for turning Kent’s errant affection into its rightful channel. Realizing the manner in which her mother’s charms are hidden, that of her manner of dress, she brings out of an old clothes press a pretty, old-time gown reminiscent of girlhood days, and, after much coaxing, a transformation is performed in Emily’s appearance. Waiting for Betty in the candle-lighted parlor, Kent thinks of the past. At this moment, as though in answer to his mood, there appears, not the girlish, immature daughter, but the reality of the girl of his dreams older, more mature and fitter for his companionship but still charming. In an instant he realizes the trick time has played upon him, their old vows are renewed and cemented. Betty, peeking through the door, sees the success of her unselfish plan and reaps her reward as Hal Edwards, who, coming over to tell her he is going away, comprehends the meaning of the tableau in the other room, claims and receives her love.