Millionaire Edward Ross fakes bankruptcy during a dinner party to test his fawning friends, who immediately abandon him. Disillusioned, he leaves his wealthy life to work as a factory porter and find true friendship among the working class. When a factory overseer insults a worker named Jennie, Edward defends her by knocking the man down, sparking a close bond between them. Edward later falls severely ill and penniless, prompting Jennie to secretly sell her beautiful blonde hair to buy him food and medicine. Touched by her profound sacrifice, Edward recovers, reveals his true wealth, and marries her, bringing her into his world of luxury.