Marianne (Greta Garbo) has been sent away by her mother so that the mother can live a carefree life in Paris. Marianne is finally called back to Paris by her mother and is brought to the city by one of her mother's lovers, Legrande (Lowell Sherman). When Legrande tries to make a pass at Marianne, she hits him and runs away, believing that she has killed him. She is then taken in by a soldier named Lucien (Lars Hanson), who leaves her with a friend, Mme. Pigonier (Polly Moran), a laundress, while he goes off with his regiment. One night, Marianne encounters Legrande again, and he is fascinated by her and promises to make her a famous stage star. Excited by the prospect of fame, Marianne becomes Legrande's mistress. Lucien returns as a deserter and is arrested and imprisoned. When he is released on parole, he goes to see Marianne and condemns her for her actions. Despite still being in love with Lucien, Marianne renounces her career and leaves Legrande. She becomes impoverished, but Lucien finds her and saves her from self-destruction. They reconcile and leave for South America, where Lucien has a small ranch, to start their lives anew.