The Law and the Lady

Jane Hoskins works as a lady's maid for Lord Minden and his wife. When Nigel Duxbury steals Lady Minden's earrings, the mistress accuses Jane of theft. Jane is furious at the accusation and quits, deciding to step into high society on her own.

Nigel, impressed by Jane's spirit, offers to take her out for an evening. Together they pretend Jane is the wealthy widow Lady Lovely and run a charity scam called The Nile Fund. The ruse nets them money and convinces them to team up as professional confidence tricksters.

Jane and Nigel travel to Monte Carlo, San Remo, and Shanghai, using their schemes to cheat at gambling and stay one step ahead of the authorities. They are repeatedly asked to leave each country as their activities draw scrutiny.

The pair move to San Francisco and shift to jewel theft. Nigel lands a job as a butler at Julia Wortin's house under the alias Hoskin's while Jane ingratiates herself with Mrs Wortin. They plan to lift Julia's diamond necklace during their stay.

Julia hosts a party in Jane's honor, and her exotic neighbor Juan begins courting Jane. Jane finds herself torn between the new admirer and her complicated partnership with Nigel.

On the first night she locates the safe and the necklace, but she is touched by Julia's kindness and decides not to steal it. She begins to rethink the plan and the life she and Nigel are leading.

The next day Jane accepts Juan's proposal, while Nigel and Jane argue about her decision. They share a kiss but keep their 'business only' stance, continuing to hide their true feelings.

Jane ultimately steals the necklace to give to Nigel, hoping to secure his future. Juan and his servant catch onto the ruse and confront Nigel; Jane triggers the burglar alarm to cover her tracks. She then reveals to Julia that she is a thief, changing the dynamic of their relationship.

Nigel arrives with a libelous letter from a fellow guest that could be used to blackmail Julia and others. The guests bid to own the letter, but Jane decides to give it to Juan for free because of his earlier kindness.

The morning after the confrontation, Juan and Nigel resolve that Juan should be with Jane. Jane proclaims her true love for Nigel, telling him he was 'too stupid to know it' and that they will go straight and repay those they've swindled.

Just as they prepare to leave, a sheriff and a Scotland Yard inspector arrive, revealing Lord Minden's death and that Nigel is now the rightful heir. The couple is arrested for their initial deception to gain money for The Nile Fund.

Nigel becomes Lord Minden, but both Jane and Nigel face a short jail term. They vow to make amends and, in the end, anticipate a life together after serving their sentence.