Sir Wingrave Seton allowed himself to be imprisoned for nine years rather than betraying a lady's honor. He seeks revenge by acquiring immense wealth for the sole purpose of destroying the lives of others. A lonely Boston housewife, a young stockbroker and an orphaned daughter of a church organist all seem to be headed for life disasters; just in time a mysterious benefactor saves each of them.

Seton ultimately sets his sights on the woman who conspired to betray him with her husband. He takes great pleasure in watching them suffer the pain he inflicts upon them. But a new young lover slowly starts to thaw the Malefactor's icy heart, prompting him to abandon his misanthropic plans. Is it too late?