The Haunting Fear

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Lured by Diana, Katherine runs away from home. The foolish girl is soon drawn into the whirlpool. She meets Mace, a notorious man-about-town, and is fascinated by him. Doctor Busby, an insane physician, recognizes in Mace the man who had caused his daughter's death. Shortly afterward, Katherine discovers Mace's real character. Wild with rage, she stabs him. Believing herself to be a murderess, Katherine flees. The crime occurs opposite Busby's home. The doctor witnesses all that happens and carries the wounded man into his house. When Mace revives, he finds himself in the clutches of a madman who intends to torture him and thus avenge his daughter's death. In the meantime, haunted by fear, Katherine flees from place to place. Sleep is denied her. Half-crazed, she pours her tale into the ears of Father Richard, a priest. At his suggestion Katherine surrenders herself to the police. The latter, however, unable to prove such a crime to have been committed, set the girl free. Katherine thereupon resolves to take the veil and enters upon her novitiate. Mace escapes from Busby's clutches. Frenzied by his frightful experience, he seeks the girl who was responsible for it. Mace traces Katherine to the convent. Forcing his way into the place, he comes upon the girl as she is praying for forgiveness. Her words cause the man to stay his hand. Katherine thus learns that she is not a murderess. Father Richard enters and witnesses the startling denouement. Dropping to her knees once more, Katherine, folding her hands in prayer, weeps tears of joy and thanksgiving.