Bartered Youth

• 1917
• Other, Drama

John Gallagher, a wealthy retired statesman, has married a woman much younger than himself. She, believing at the time, that her husband would live only a few months, is disappointed at his being still so hale and hearty. Mrs. Gallagher is in love with young Wilbur James. Overhearing their conversation one day, Gallagher learns that his wife wishes to be free. A year passes and Mrs. Gallagher and James have taken to clandestine meetings. Gallagher tells his wife to make arrangements for a divorce as he is leaving for Europe. She is delighted and phones James. But James has met Dorothy Whiloby. He falls in love with her and she with him. He then makes up his mind to break off all relations with Mrs. Gallagher. That night at the Whiloby's, Mrs. Gallagher sees they are gazing tenderly at each other, and she reads her own doom in their eyes. Later James tells her that he thinks it time that their relations came to an end. Mrs. Gallagher returns home, where she tells her husband that as she sold her youth to him, she is still his if he wants her. He looks at her coldly, measuring her with steel-like eyes, that were once so full of love for her.