At her uncle's ranch May Hale, daughter of an eastern professor, meets a unique person in Bash Huggins. Bash is some bear with the men, but a fear-stricken coyote in the presence of the fair sex. He flees the ranch because of May, meets with an accident, and in the hospital learns that the older women are at least human, though he remains girl-shy. In another experience a young woman sells Bash a worthless mine. Frank Morgan and his sister, Grace, eastern tourists, stop overnight at Bash's cabin, Grace, a born flirt, dazzles Bash, and asks him to visit her in the east. A lucky strike enables Bash to go east, but he is slighted by Grace, who does not know of his wealth. In ill-fitting clothes, awkward Bash is not a social success. He blunders in a dance, is terrified by a girl in decollete, and flees from a simpering old maid. He is an endless source of wonder to Lord Ashley, an Englishman. But Bash has the never-give-up spirit. Determined to win Grace, he studies books on social customs, though with slight success. When May returns home her father loses his place because of his absent mindedness. May studies typewriting, and prepares for her father a sign, "Languages Taught." No pupils apply and they are in destitute circumstances. May changes the sign to "Anything Taught." Bash sees the sign, tells the professor of his desire to win Grace, and offers him money for social instruction. The old professor misunderstands and says, "Young man, I don't give lessons in love making." May overhears from the empty pantry, and, made desperate by poverty, takes the money and tells Bash, "I'll teach you how to make love." Then she and Bash recognize each other. Bash tries again to flee, but May convinces him she is not dangerous. Under May's tuition Bash makes rapid progress and in the realism of the last lesson they forget their love making is only practice. Bash goes away half dazed and thus falls an easy victim to Grace, who has accidentally learned of his wealth. Grace gives Bash her finger measurement, and sends him for a ring. Still dazed, he takes the ring to May and says, "Thanks for your lessons, I am engaged. Now, what shall I do?" Then May and Bash realize that they love each other, but May sends him back to Grace. Bash overhears Grace tell her brother that money only would cause her to marry a boob with a name like Bash Huggins. He crushes the ring under foot and hurries back to May, no longer needing lessons in love making.