Silas Lappam, a self-made millionaire from a rural area, moves to Boston with his wife and two daughters, continuing to some extent the lifestyle he had in the past. However, when his daughters reach marriageable age, both he and his wife begin to cultivate social contacts with the "old money" who treat them as uncultured nouveau riche. At the same time, the games of the "market" put his business at risk and pose serious ethical dilemmas.