In the city of Bolton, party politics are in the control of two men, Jim Durfee and Gordon Freeman, who intend to keep it that way by running a "figurehead" for mayor. They decide upon Sheridan Dows, known as "Sherry," a young society dilettante, who surprises the political bosses by taking his responsibilities seriously.

Victoria marries David, the man of her dreams. After a number of years and two children, the marriage turns out not to be what she had expected. Then she discovers her faith, and everything turns out for the best. In several scenes Victoria has visions of love and marriage throughout history: she appears in the Stone Age, with a tribe of Amazonians, in the Middle Ages and in the Roman era.

Ralph visits France with his father, a shipbuilder, and falls in love with Blossom, the granddaughter of his father's friend, a Civil war veteran not reconciled with the Union. Blossom, however, is engaged to a French nobleman. When the war breaks out, Ralph enlists, while his brother Jim, a heartbreaker, is drafted.

Sam, in love with Katie, drinks too much absinthe and dreams he is a hero saving Katie from danger.

Jack Straw (Warwick) is an iceman who becomes a waiter to be closer to the girl (McComas) he is interested in. Later, to impress her, he impersonates an Archduke from Pomerania. A Count from Pomerania (Brower) who is the ambassador arrives and learns of the long-missing son of royalty. The girl's mother (Ashton) learns of the trick being played by Jack. Just when Jack is exposed as being a fraud, it turns out that he is the genuine article.