Judge Cass Timberlane falls in love with and marries Virginia Marshland, a woman from a less privileged background. After their baby is stillborn, Virginia becomes restless and spends a lot of her time with Brad Criley, a young lawyer and friend of the judge. They take a trip to New York City, but the judge is called back for an important trial soon after they arrive. During an argument, the judge tells Virginia she can stay in New York with Brad. However, when she falls ill, the judge brings her home to recover. Both eventually come to a deeper understanding of each other.