On the Pacific coast, near San Francisco, Frederick Travers, a large landowner and prominent businessman, possibly the next governor of California, lives with his twenty-nine-year-old daughter Mary. Their life proceeds peacefuly, simply and artlessly. One morning, a letter announces the arrival of Frederick Travers' older brother, Tom, who has led the most adventurous and extraordinary life one can dream of. He is accompanied by his daughter Bronislawa Plaskoweitzkaia, known as Polly, who has Russian, Polish or Spanish blood in her veins. Everything about their manner shocks Mary and her father. Upon arrival, Tom and Polly introduce Frederick Travers to new manners.