The Law Decides (1916)

Mere years could not kill the overwhelming love which lay dormant in Lorenz's heart, though Florence was now the wife of another. He called frequently at the Wharton home, ostensibly to see Beatrice, the daughter of Wharton's step-mother, but really to be near Mrs. Wharton, who was the Florence he loved. Despite the fact that John Wharton has been married for years and is very happy with his wife and son Bobby, Mrs. Wharton has not given up hope of a union between John and her daughter, Beatrice. She has always been greedy for John's fortune, and knows that if her daughter was to marry him, the fortune would revert to them. One night Lorenz, unable to subdue his passion, renews his suit to Florence, but is spurned. Mrs. Wharton, having seen that Lorenz would go to any extremities to win the hand of Florence, enlists him in her cause with the promise of Florence for his wife if the plans succeed. Later, when John enters the house, he sees his wife running away from Lorenz, as if alarmed at his approach. His suspicions are aroused, and when his mother makes the evidence more conclusive, he seems to agree with her. That night Florence leaves for a hunting lodge, where she hopes to stay until John repents his hasty words. At the lodge she finds Lorenz already there. He purposely misses his train home, and having a spare room, she agrees to shelter him for the night. Mrs. Wharton tells John where his wife is, and allows him to understand that Lorenz is with her. John starts for the lodge and on finding Lorenz there is convinced of his wife's perfidy. He sues for a divorce and the courts award the custody of the child to the father. Florence chooses the only honorable alternative left to her and marries Lorenz, but shows him no affection. Mrs. Wharton's plans are at last beginning to materialize. In order to please his mother, for whom he has always had the greatest respect, John agrees to marry Beatrice. On the day of the wedding, Florence calls and through her little son Bobby learns that John really loves her. Lorenz meanwhile has spoken to Beatrice, telling the sorrow which his loveless marriage has caused, and warning her against marrying John. She finally consents to go away with him. Still unable to forget his overpowering love for Florence, he leaves a note for her, telling where she may reach him, so that she might decide whether or not she wanted him to return. At the Wharton home the disappearance of the bride has caused great consternation. Here Florence learns of the part John's mother played in her estrangement from her husband. Hoping to arrange matters in some way before it is too late, she 'phones to Lorenz, who hurries over to the house. Lorenz sees that all is known, and having a spark of honor left in him, makes a supreme sacrifice in a dramatic and unexpected suicide, leaving the reunited family to their unmolested happiness. Beatrice and her mother go on a sea voyage, the latter repentant and sufficiently punished for her crime by her daughter's unhappiness.