Beatrix and Pelham Franklin marriage is tested by jealousy and a scheming woman. Beatrix, about to have a baby, sends Pelham on a cruise where he meets the flirtatious May Beamish. Beatrix then provokes a fight by going out with a former admirer, leading to a separation. May tries to take advantage of the situation, but Beatrix ultimately wins back her husband's affection, exposing May's schemes.

Don Counsel, a New Yorker who is traveling through southern Florida, is being framed by Ernest Riever for a murder he did not commit. Riever is holding the real killer captive on his yacht while detectives are searching for Counsel. Pen Broome, who lives with her father (Henry James) on their rundown estate, tries to help Counsel out. Riever's men find Counsel and trap him in a ballast bulkhead, but Pen rescues him.