THE STORY: Penelope Porter, engaged to Milton Abercrombie, is about to welcome her finance’s mother into her home. At just the wrong moment, her prodigal brother, Buddy, returns without any money and in the company of a mysterious Mrs. Lloyd. Whether or not they are married is a question the scandalized family cannot answer. Just as Buddy is being thrown out, Mrs. Abercrombie arrives and recognizes him as the famous author known as “Tom Hatch.” The family is dumb-founded, but welcomes the Black Sheep home. Buddy is surrounded with everything that a doting mother and proud father can offer. But Mrs. Lloyd fears for the future. Buddy charms all those around him, especially the susceptible Dorothy, engaged to Buddy’s brother, Freddie. Buddy has also made an impression on the widowed Mrs. Abercrombie. When Buddy decides to elope with Dorothy, Mrs.Lloyd takes steps to turn things around. She lays down the law to Dorothy, and makes the easy conquest of Milton, offering to run away with him. Buddy is stunned and threatens to marry Mrs. Abercrombie, but when Mrs. Lloyd tells him she is eloping to South America with Milton, she so inspires Buddy that he swears that he and Mrs. Lloyd will take the first steamer. This is exactly what she wanted; and she has already has the steamship tickets and a little cash in hand!