When John Webb dies, his wife, Anna, and his children--John, Harry, and Ruth--are well provided for, thanks to his patent on an improved sewing machine. As time passes, however, Harry mismanages and overspends factory funds, John leaves town accused of stealing the money embezzled by Harry, and Ruth elopes. Anna must sell the business to cover Harry's debts, and, reduced to poverty, she takes a menial factory job. Later, her story appears in a magazine and the family is happily reunited.