1870 Nevada: Seventeen-year-old Edna Mae Clark works as a governess for a wealthy family. Raised in an orphanage, Edna is diligent, capable, and proper-and naive about men. When she is mysteriously and irresistibly drawn to Roy Sprague, a passing stranger, she quits her job to become a domestic servant at the remote gold mine where he works.
Sullen and moody, Roy appears to ignore Edna's relentless attempts to win his affection. When he finally gives in, he persuades her to run away with him, and "borrowing" two horses, they flee across the high desert. In the first town they reach, Edna is appalled when Roy proudly reveals that he has stolen ore from the mine, but refuses to let this ruin her growing passion for him.
Now in the boomtown of Carson City, they cash in the gold and go on a lavish spending spree-luxury hotels, expensive restaurants and extravagant wardrobes. Living "high on the hog" has elated Roy to such a degree that he asks Edna to marry him. Ecstatically she agrees, and immediately starts planning the wedding.
Although Edna resents Roy's low-life gambling pals at the local saloon, she keeps her feelings to herself. But when they want her to play a key part in their bank robbery plan, it's almost more than she can tolerate.
More conflict lies ahead for the ill-fated lovers, as Edna's infatuation gives way to regret.