American George Reynolds duels with Spaniard Valdez over Cora, a Spanish adventuress living in South America. Valdez is wounded and Reynolds takes Cora to America and establishes her in a cottage where he visits her frequently. Cora becomes involved with Reynolds' friend Caryl Haskill. Reynolds struggles with Cora and the revolver accidentally discharges, wounding her, which sends Reynolds to prison for five years. Cora visits the prison gang at road-work detail to taunt Reynolds, then years later she runs a New York gambling-house. Caryl loses his fortune there, then drowns himself. After being released on parole, Reynolds marries Frances Tabor, but Cora still seeks revenge. She attempts to break up Reynolds' marriage and have him arrested, but is unsuccessful. Cora loses her sanity and is confined to an asylum.