In 1894, Royle returns to a southern town which he and his father had been forced to leave by Singleton, the biggest and richest tobacco-grower in the area. Royle, among other plans, intends to marry Singleton's daughter, Margaret, and gain possession of Singleton's fabulous mansion,"Bright Leaf." He gets the need financial support to compete against Singleton from an old flame, Sonia, and he eventually does so, and drives Singleton to suicide. To complete his business affairs, he marries Margaret. But Margaret also has a plan or two, none of which bode well for her new husband.