Break the News to Mother (1919)

Dave Bray, who is devoted to his mother, and Ruth Godwin, the daughter of Howard Godwin, his employer, fall in love, thus incurring the chagrin of Dave's jealous superintendent, Warren Flint. Flint's rejected lover, Edna Holmes, on overhearing Flint tell Dave that he intends to marry Ruth, shoots Flint during his struggle with Dave, at the same moment that Flint's own revolver fires. Thinking that he shot Flint, Dave leaves home and has friends break the news to his heartbroken mother. Flint lives, but he accuses Dave even though he knows that Edna shot him. A year later Ruth is about to marry Flint on the condition that he not press charges if Dave returns. Meanwhile, Dave, a war hero in Europe, and sick with pneumonia, is told by his doctor, a friend from home, that Flint did not die. Edna finally tells Ruth the truth and the wedding is canceled. After the armistice, Dave returns to his mother, Ruth's love, and the honor of his village.