Mike Grogan, a crook, sends his daughter Rose to a fashionable reception with orders for her to ply her trade and get away with the guests' jewelry. Joe Emerson, a reporter on the "Chronicle," is sent by the city editor to cover the affair and give it a big write-up. At the reception. Mrs. Vandermade exhibits her new necklace and has trouble in getting it refastened. Rose offers her help and when Mrs. Vandermade sits with her escort in the conservatory, Rose steals behind the palms and takes the insecurely fastened necklace without detection, except by Joe, who standing out of sight, is taking notes for the paper. Joe confronts her before she has concealed the necklace and bars her escape. The necklace is missed and detectives are asked to search the guests, as all have made known their willingness. Seeing that Rose will be caught, Joe takes the necklace from her and returns it, the affair being dismissed. Rose hurries out but Joe meets her and escorting her home, secures her promise to reform. Rose tell her father of her decision. Spike, her brother, overhears and attempts to strike her but is prevented by Nelson, Grogan's partner, who is in love with Rose. Later, Joe finds her a boarding house and calls to escort her to it. Nelson has dissolved partnership with Grogan and as he has been cheated, sneaks into the house and shoots him. Joe sees him dash out, and picking up the fallen revolver, he hurries inside only to find Grogan dead. An officer hearing the shot, breaks in and finding Joe beside the dead man and with the gun in his hand, arrests him. At the trial Joe is found guilty and sent to prison. He declares his love for Rose and asks her to wait for him. Rose decides to save Joe and by a trick secures Nelson's confession to the crime. Joe is released and the lovers are reunited.
