Years ago Peggy Sloane, only daughter of old Cornelius Sloane, familiarly known as the Professor, an antique dealer, met millionaire art dealer Stuart Watson and was prevailed by his hypnotic power to go through a marriage ceremony with him. A week passed and she returned, broken in spirit and body. Later, when her baby was born, she died. One night, while playing chess, old Sloane learns of the return to America of this man Watson and resolves to be revenged.