Embers

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Rhea Woodley's child dies at birth, and the doctor tells Martin Woodley that his wife must never be subjected to such an experience again. This forms the basis of separation between them. Rhea is a semi-invalid, and Martin's virile manhood seeks the physical companionship he is denied and finds it in the person of Maysie, a young cousin of Rhea's, who comes to visit in their home. The breach between the husband and wife continues to widen. A former rejected lover of Rhea's discovers the situation and takes a malicious pleasure in exposing it to Rhea. Rhea offers her husband his freedom, but he will not admit his love for the other woman, even to himself and refuses to be released. As a last resort, Rhea permits the attentions of Welsey, and goes with him to a roadhouse, leaving an anonymous note advising her husband of their destination. Martin and Maysie follow Rhea and her lover and discover them together. Rhea pretends a passion for Welsey until her husband is gone, when she turns upon him in scorn and denunciation. Martin obtains a divorce and Maysie, with a chaperon, takes charge of the household. Rhea goes to a sanitarium, where the doctor, to save her life, hits upon the inspiration of giving her a motherless baby to care for. Martin, going to his wife's room, drawn by the memory of happier days, finds in her diary the record of her sacrifice and overcome by his injustice, breaks with Maysie and returns to find Rhea with the baby, which will have its part in helping to fulfill his dream of home and happiness.