After the death of her mother at the hands of an unknown assailant, Ellie Tyler is forced into a sordid life of degradation in St. Louis. But just when Ellie has lost all hope, Miss Pinkerton steps in and gives her a leg up. With education, a new outlook on life and a prospective husband and his small son waiting for her, Ellie sets out for San Francisco. Once there, she finds a life that is more wonderful than she ever hoped for-until her plans for happy ever after are thwarted by a horrible accident. Ellie, determined to keep her newfound family close, must now decide between love and friendship. Will she be able to find her happy ending, or will she be forced to settle for something less?