Raised in a secluded area of North Carolina by her grandfather, Colonel Charles E. Cavanaugh, Miss Emmy Lou lives in ignorance of the outside world. She ventures out of her narrow valley to visit Mrs. Kate Wimbleton, and despite her outdated style of dress, she is a great success with the young male guests, especially Davis Jordan and Augustus Biddle. Emmy Lou immerses herself in the modern world during her stay with the Wimbletons, then returns home upon learning that the colonel is ill. Her two suitors follow, and Emmy Lou is unable to decide between them. Colonel Cavanaugh stages a duel, loading each of the pistols with blank cartridges. Augustus cheats, compelling Emmy Lou to choose Davis.