Returning after a long absence to Frenchman's Bend, Mississippi, Ben Quick discovers that his father has died and the town controlled by Will Varner. Ben befriends Clara Varner, Will's beautiful daughter, then decides to stay in Frenchman's Bend and rebuild the family farm. Ben has to go to Will for the money he needs. Varner, who despises Ben, is annoyed that his spoiled daughter is so strongly attracted to him, and he grants Ben the loan on the condition that he leave Clara alone. When Clara learns of the bargain, she angrily resolves to win Ben's love.