A button factory worker has always dreamed that he was meant for better things, to be rich and famous and in "the company of kings". One day he discovers that he is indeed the only heir to the throne of a small European kingdom. However, there are forces at work who don't want him to survive to take the throne.

Young teacher Nan Cartwright leaves Virginia for a narrow-minded Western town. Facing constant harassment from townspeople, her reputation is ultimately ruined after a carriage accident forces her to spend the night in the woods.

Molly Malone dances at a Coney Island sideshow to attract crowds. She loves Joe Holmquist, "The Human Submarine," as does Molly's mother Kate, the "Mystic Hindu Seeress." One day while Molly is dancing, her slipper hits the eye of an admirer who identifies himself as Chauncy Ewing. After arousing Joe's jealousy, Molly turns down Chauncy's proposal, because she still loves Joe, but when she sees Joe in a forced embrace with Kate, Molly elopes with Chauncy to his wealthy Aunt Henrietta's vacant Brooklyn home, planning to marry the next day.