While visiting Honolulu, young American girl Bessie Lane meets Colonel Hale of the U.S. Regulars, who is stationed there; though she is 20 years his junior, they become engaged. Bessie then returns to San Francisco to her home. In a nearby town lives Anne Vance, a sweet middle-aged woman, attractive and charming; discovering that Bessie is the niece of a girlhood chum, she invites her to visit her. Through a miniature of Col. Hale, Bessie discovers that Anne is a former sweetheart of the colonel; she discovers Anne comparing the miniature with a photograph of him in her possession and reading over some old love letters from him. She also sees a peculiar-shaped ring upon Anne's finger which corresponds exactly with a ring she has seen on the colonel. Bessie telegraphs to him to join her at once. Though she loves him, she decides to reunite him with Anne if they still care for each other. When he arrives, Anne feigns illness to avoid seeing him, fearing to cast a shadow upon Bessie's life. Realizing this, Bessie contrives, by burning her arm purposely from alcohol she was putting in the tea lamp, to bring Anne downstairs. The colonel recognizes her at once and shows in his looks that he loves her. Bessie places their hands together and looks away as they draw into each other's arms. Bessie is happy in the sacrifice she has made.