Kathryn Vaughan is heiress to a considerable fortune, which is unfortunately in the unscrupuious hands of her tyrannical stepfather, Luther Templar. He manages to persuade the man Kate loves that she is insane and without explanation he deserts her. She is devastated. On the eve of the new century Luther throws a lavish celebratory ball, and to Kate's shock and dismay announces her betrothal to his nephew, Simon Creswell, a complete stranger to Kate. Luther's terms to Kate are simple - she either marries Simon or is committed to the local lunatic asylum for life. Luther expects to obtain Kate's shares through Simon, but Simon has plans of his own - as does Kate.