Ed Forbes, an ambitious young man, leaves his widowed mother's home. Through some means or other, Ed is made a prisoner in his newfound land by a malignant person. The young prisoner is set to work trimming the wisteria vines growing around the warden's home. As he smells the flower (which is his mother's favorite one) he is reminded of her. At night in his cell he writes to his mother, tells her that he is innocent and that he still loves her. She is touched by her son's letter and decides to journey to him. To raise enough funds she has to sell her treasures, which are bought, unknown to her, by her faithful servant, who afterwards returns them. On the train she encounters a sickly lady with a baby that cries incessantly. Mrs. Forbes takes it, soon soothes it and caresses the mother. This kind act is witnessed by Governor Coleman, who enters into a conversation with Mrs. Forbes. She tells the Governor everything. Later he investigates the case and finds that Ed Forbes is innocent. The pardon is delivered by the executive's private secretary. Ed and his mother are soon back in their home enjoying the pleasures of it, she being enabled to restore it by a generous donation from the Governor.