Jim and Jed, rivals for the hand of Nell, both ask her father's consent. She is in love with the latter, who performs brilliantly upon the piano. But her father favors Jim, who aspires to become a great singer. It is decided to let the matter rest six months, and then try out the suitors on the strength of their musical abilities. Jim learns only too soon that never will he become a Caruso. Chancing upon an Italian laborer, however, who has the voice of an opera singer, he arranges for Tony to act as his proxy in the forthcoming tryout. On the evening of the contest, the Italian, concealed behind a curtain, sings while Jim goes through the motions in dumb show, and the pianist is eclipsed. All is well, until Tony is attracted to the kitchen by the maid. There he partakes of punch and is moved to sing on his own account. The sounds penetrate to the parlor. Jim's ruse is laid bare. And Nell starts in taking lessons on the piano from Jed.