After her father's suicide, misfortune befalls fifteen-year-old Beth and her brother Sam. Having lost their parents, home, and livelihood, brother and sister go to America, a land of fabulous opportunities. In New York, Beth plays the violin in saloons, is popular with the public and soon receives the nickname Gypsy Queen. Adventures lead the rapidly growing brother and sister to Dawson, where the gold rush promises them good luck. But after going through many trials, Beth begins to realize that all that glitters is not gold...