The older folks in the Hardcastle family are unwillingly used to poverty; they still stubbornly believe that business will improve. But the young people are restless; in between, the young men and the young women do not obligingly wait for trade to turn the corner. Sally waits for Larry until he is killed in a labor parade. Her brother and his girl have to marry on the meager pittance of poorhouse relief. After six months of hopelessness Sally goes to keep house for a wealthy man who can support her. That is the only way out for her and the broken family.