A woman, Evelyn, and a man, Julian, are confronted in their ship cabin by another passenger who threatens to expose Julian as a stowaway and fugitive, which could send them to prison. He alerts the ship's captain, demanding they be thrown overboard. Instead, the captain orders the accuser and his companion seized for trespassing and harassing a 'distinguished guest'. After they are taken away, Evelyn questions Julian's authority, and he reveals he is merely acting the part of a rich man to survive. Facing a future in New York with no money or connections, he makes a startling proposal to Evelyn: to repay her for saving his life, he offers marriage to secure her a home, and she accepts.