On Fifth Avenue, New York City, in the neighborhood of 34th Street, a small crowd is gathered around little street singer Papita, who stands holding her father's hand, singing to the assembled men and boys. Suddenly her father falls, and when the ambulance arrives it is discovered that he has died of heart failure. Carl, a young musician attracted by Papita's singing, observes the little street singer's plight and takes her to his home, where the exquisite quality of her voice impresses both Carl and his mother. Ten years pass by and the little street singer's voice continues to improve. Carl finally decides to take her to a great vocal teacher. After a few months under the master's instruction, Papita makes her appearance in the drawing-room of a rich patron of music. The wonderful promise of the fair singer impresses them all and Mrs. Burleigh, a lady of means, offers to give Papita a musical education abroad. Papita leaves for Europe and after three years of hard study under the leading teachers, she returns to America and makes her debut at the Metropolitan Opera House. Carl visits the opera and sends his card in to Papita. The card is intercepted by Mrs. Burleigh, who meets him and informs him that Papita does not wish to be bothered. Carl becomes ill, brooding over Papita's apparent ingratitude. Papita, after scoring an immense success at her debut, feels that something to complete her happiness is lacking, and alone she goes in search of Carl and his mother. Arriving at their former home, she learns that his mother has died and that the neighbors have no knowledge of the son. Walking through the streets she hears the sound of a violin and readily recognizes that Carl is playing her favorite air. She enters the house, climbs the stairs, locates the unhappy musician, and proves to him that her heart is true.