When Martin West comes up with an innovative idea, Higgins, the longtime head of men's clothing does not approve; but Anderson is impressed.

Anderson, a compulsive philanderer, holds women in contempt, believing that all they seek is financial security and control over their husbands.

Anderson doubles the salary of employee Polly Dale, (Alice White), to keep his nominal overseer, Denton Ross, occupied, leaving him a free hand to manage the store without interference.

After the Wests quarrel at the annual office party about Martin's neglect of her, Anderson finds a vulnerable Madeleine alone and gets her drunk on champagne.

When she decides to leave, he offers the inebriated Madeleine his upstairs hotel suite to rest and to clear her head.

Madeleine unsuccessfully attempts suicide with poison, prompting a furious Martin to confront and threaten to kill his boss.

Anderson, facing his own dismissal by cautious bankers afraid of his expensive plans, dares him to do it, even providing a gun.

Ross manages to contact the store's frequently absent owner, Commodore Franklin Monroe, and gets his proxy just in time for the vote of the board of 40 directors.

Polly, having just been told to pick out a new wardrobe so Anderson can take her to Paris, comes in with her dog, only to learn the holiday is off and to return the duds.