Hugh Erskine is an unemployed but charming man in love with Laura Merton. Her father will only allow the marriage if Hugh can prove he has 10,000 pounds. Hugh meets his friend, painter Alan Trevor, who is painting a portrait of a beggar model. Hugh slips the model a sovereign. The model is later revealed to be Baron Hausberg, one of the richest men in Europe. Impressed by Hugh's kindness, the Baron gifts Hugh an envelope at his home containing a cheque for 10,000 pounds, allowing Hugh to marry Laura.