Plot

Loved by two men, frivolous Jasmine Grenfel is unable to decide between the bold Rudyard Byng and the more reserved Ian Stafford. Swept away by Byng's forcefulness, Jasmine agrees to marry him and the rejected Stafford goes to South Africa. Three years elapse, and Jasmine's unhappiness increases as her husband slips into dissipation and she is pursued by his private secretary, Adrian Fellow, who is also having an affair with Al'Mah, an exotic dancer. When Byng finds a love note written by Fellow addressed to Jasmine, he threatens to kill both his wife and secretary, but Stafford returns in time to prevent the tragedy. Later, Fellow is murdered and Byng finds a poisoned needle near the body, but before the murderer can be found, the Boer War breaks out and Byng goes to fight for his country. In battle, Stafford is killed and Byng distinguishes himself in the field, recovering from his former dissipation. Al'Mah, now a nurse, is fatally wounded and confesses that she killed Fellow. Jasmine, touched by the crucible of war, finally realizes that she has been responsible for her own unhappiness and makes a true commitment to her husband.

Jasmine Grenfel, a beautiful and frivolous English girl, has two suitors, Ian Stafford, Under Colonial Secretary for England, and Rudyard Byng, who is host at the reception at the opening of the play. Miss Grenfel asks Stafford to give her a year before asking a definite answer. Byng is a forceful personage who has battered his way to wealth in the diamond fields of South Africa. Stafford is more intellectual than Byng. The latter proposes just as Stafford's year of probation expires, and Jasmine accepts him. Stafford goes to South Africa, and three years elapse. Jasmine is unhappy, because Byng dissipates. Krool, his servant, is spying on his master, as does Fellowes, private secretary to Byng. Fellowes is carrying on affairs with several women, including Al'mah, an Oriental dancer. He also tries to make love to Jasmine. Al'mah swears she will kill Fellowes when she learns of his unfaithfulness to her. Krool finds the indiscreet letter from Fellowes to Jasmine and takes it to Byng, who threatens to kill both his wife and secretary. Stafford returns in time to prevent the tragedy. When Jasmine learns that even Stafford believes her guilty she is blinded with rage against Fellowes and bitterness against Stafford. Krool has been beaten by Byng and is extremely bitter against Fellowes as well as Byng. Fellowes is murdered and Byng finds a poisoned needle near the body. Just at this point the Boer war breaks out and Jasmine and Byng separate, both going to South Africa. Byng distinguishes himself in the field, the war bringing out the best in him. Al'mah, now a nurse, is fatally wounded and confesses that she killed Fellowes. Jasmine and Byng are reunited.