One of the other attendees is the handsome Dylan Kennedy, of the Connecticut Kennedys, who is just back from the continent. The lovely and supposedly rich young woman soon attracts Dylan s attention. Indeed, as the reader soon discovers, rich young women always attract Dylan because they are potential marks for his scams. If Kathleen is not what she seems, neither is Dylan. There is an instant spark between the two, but they are soon parted when news of a serious fire spreads through the gathering.
Fate brings the two together again in the midst of the blaze.
After numerous close calls, Kate and Dylan find themselves in City Hall, with the mayor, a judge, a priest and a dying man. Then, good fortune shines and those trapped manage to escape. Kate and Dylan consummate their unplanned marriage in a deserted Pullman car. Day comes and the truth will out. Kate proves a surprisingly effective co-conspirator in this undertaking.