In New York City, Rachel Abrams, daughter of struggling ghetto pawnbroker Aaron Abrams, elopes with Russell Mortimer, a wealthy young member of society. Russell's father quickly offers $10,000 to terminate the match, and Aaron accepts over Rachel's objections, hoping to use the money for revenge. After Rachel dies while giving birth to a daughter, Ruth, the elder Abrams becomes a callous money lender on Wall Street. Years later, a romance develops between Ruth and Sheldon Sherman, protégé of Russell Mortimer, and between Russell's daughter, Hazel, and Saul Cohen, a friend of the Abrams family. Using a pseudonym, Aaron threatens Russell and insists that Ruth marry Saul. Complications ensue, involving love and finance. Aaron sends Ruth away for giving her love to a gentile, but the old man ultimately relents, and all are reconciled.