The Double Chase

• Watchlist

Mrs. Bland, a rich woman, occupies a beautiful home with her son, Allen, a boy of seventeen, and her adopted daughter, Madge, fourteen. One day, Madge, through carelessness, is the cause of a delay in Allen's fishing trip. Flo berates her, while she coaxes to accompany him. He returns, but she follows, only to cause more trouble by falling into the stream just as he gets a nibble. Allen, disgusted, leaves Madge to climb up the bank alone. When he reaches home he finds his mother and his boyhood sweetheart, Ruth, waiting for him. His mother has received news that he has passed his examination for college. Madge comes home and tries to tell Allen that she is sorry. He pays no attention to her and goes out. Allen leaves home; his mother parts with him sorrowfully and Madge is heartbroken. Two years pass and Mrs. Bland decides to send Madge to a young ladies' seminary to finish her education. During Allen's absence he has corresponded with Ruth and Madge. To Ruth he writes glowing accounts of his achievements, his plans for the future, etc., while to Madge he writes patronizing letters full of wise counsel, as though she were a child. Meanwhile Madge in her new environment is fast developing into a beautiful, refined young woman and resents his lofty manner. It is after the receipt of one of those superior sounding letters that Madge rebels and vows she will write no more. Two years more pass. Madge, a charming young lady, is at home on her vacation. Allen has completed his college course and is expected home. Allen is surprised and disappointed in Ruth; he finds her a silly country girl, awkward and uninteresting. Madge comes into the room, pretending not to see him. Allen is taken by surprise and calls to his mother to know who she is. Upon being told it is Madge, he starts after her, and the second chase begins. He, in turn, is chased by Ruth. After many laughable situations, during which time Allen falls in love with Madge, he follows her everywhere, he at last follows her to the summer house, where he tries to tell her of his love. The last scene shows Madge in Allen's arms.