A Mother's Atonement

• 1915
• Drama, Other

Old Ben Morrison and his daughter, Jen, an unsophisticated girl, live on an island not far from the mainland. Jasper Crane, middle-aged sensualist of the rougher type, bargains with Jen's father, in hopes of marrying and gaining possession of the girl. Morrison is willing, and explains that she is like her mother, who deserted her home and baby for a city man. Jen, hearing of her father's plan, makes her escape by swimming to the mainland, where she seeks protection from Mrs. Hilton and her daughter, Dorothy, members of a camping party. James Hilton, Dorothy's brother, falls in love with Jen. Kent, a refined sensualist of the party, covets the girl, but finds his plans checked at each turn by James. Knowledge of James' affection for Jen reaches his mother's ears, and she informs her daughter that things are going too far and the strange girl must go. Jen overhears the conversation between Mrs. Hilton and her daughter, and realizes that she is not wanted. Kent, noticing the girl's discomfiture, gives her a sum of money for expense and advises her to call at his office in the city, should she ever want for anything. Alice, Jen's mother, served for a time as the plaything of John Newton, the man with whom she ran away, but when he tired of her she drifted into a vulgar blasé set. Jen unable to secure work in the city, writes to Kent for aid. Kent is engaged to marry Dorothy Hilton and plans to celebrate the closing days of bachelorhood on board his palatial yacht. John Newton, who is just returning from an extended European trip, is also to be in the party. Kent and his cronies plan a surprise for Newton. Knowing his former relations with Alice Morison, they plan to have her as one of the party. At the party Alice is discovered by Newton and strange emotions surge in the breasts of the pair. At the height of the party Kent receives Jen's letter asking for aid and he plans to add to the zest of the party by showing them an unsophisticated girl. He accordingly sends for Jen. She arrives, and Alice recognizes her daughter, although she cannot reveal her true identity her child. Back in the offices of Kent and Hilton, who are partners, news comes of a financial crisis, and James Hilton leaves hurriedly to communicate with his partner aboard the yacht. When he finally arrives he is shocked to see Jen, plainly embarrassed, in the midst of the mad riot aboard the yacht. He takes her from the place, and Newton, seeing what Alice is undergoing, suffers a change of heart. He asks her for a chance to atone for the past, and begs her to lead a life worthy her of daughter, he to supply the means. Kent drops out of the party suddenly and hurries to the mainland. On the deck of the yacht alone, James and Jen plight their love anew. Alice, the result of her past sin apparent, sinks down overcome, while Newton endeavors to quiet her tumultuous emotions, realizing his own part in the tragedy so narrowly averted.