She lost her family in the Civil War and fled from Georgia to Chicago disguised as a boy. Here 18-year-old Katina Monroe finds work as "William," acting in a small theater, as she dreams of writing a brilliant drama and gaining wealth and fame as a woman in her own name. But life takes an unexpected twist when she meets crusading young minister Russell Cosgrove on a street corner and he persuades "William" to help him create a shelter for the destitute.

Katina can't tell Russell the truth, even as they work side-by-side, until the day love and jealousy drive her to reveal her true self at last. Together they build a dream of new lives and a new city -- until a sudden fire rages through the streets. Now they are racing for their lives as Chicago burns in their wake....