Mahlee and Blanche Sackville are half-sisters, Blanche the daughter of an Englishman and his wife, Mahlee of the Englishman and his Chinese mistress. Mahlee rejects her people and attempts to find a life for herself among the Europeans. But she finds the color line impossible to pass and returns to lead her Chinese people in rebellion.

Promised in marriage to wealthy Lot Gordon , Scottish lassie Madelon MacTavish prefers Lot's poor relation Burr Gordon. The wisdom of her choice is proven later on, when a vengeful Lot tries to rape the girl.