Patricia Prentiss is the only child of a man from humble beginnings who made good. Her mother has become a socialite who wants only the best for her daughter, and fights every step of the way having Patricia attend public schools in favor of a snooty school for girls. Mother Prentiss forces friendships with only wealthy companions, of whom arrogant and selfish Thorny Bellingham is the most frequent and irritating. Another friendship develops very slowly and quietly with an intelligent and hard working classmate whose influence leads Patricia to a knowledge of God. After college, Mrs. Prentiss arranges to have Thorny on hand almost constantly, which he is most willing to do as Patricia had grown into a lovely young woman. Thorny pursues Patricia relentlessly, while she still holds on to her faith and the memory of a kind, strong friend from school days. Mrs. Prentiss and Thorny believe that they have a future all planned out for Patricia but God has something else up His sleeve!