Sylvia returns home to Peacehaven, presumably to marry wealthy Herbert Summers, and to find that the pickings have not been so good on that old cotton plantation where her family faces financial difficulties. She also falls in love, with John Logan, an artist, but money- borrowed from Herbert by her mother for her brother's illness- gives her an obligation over and above their indebtedness. A disastrous hunting weekend reveals Herbert as an impossible choice- she breaks away from Herbert and is now free for John. Belles and balls and drawls- to cosset rental tastes.