Wealthy businessman John Talbot is deserted by his first wife Mary and later marries a widow named Helga, whose indolent son Paul moves into the household. Helga and Paul plot to inherit John’s fortune, but their plan is complicated by the return of John’s brother Frank and revelations about Mary’s daughter. When a murder shocks the household, greed and betrayal are unmasked, and John uses clever manipulation to expose those who tried to swindle him.