The Legacy of Folly

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Reared in a convent, Constance remains in ignorance of the gay life led by her mother Corinne. When Corinne succumbs to heart disease, Constance leaves the convent and becomes stenographer for cynical man-about-town novelist Scott, who determines to win her. At his suggestion, Mrs. Hale, an aunt who keeps house for him, invites Constance to live in the mansion. The luxury of the place fills Constance's heart with vague longings. Scott gives a dinner party and invites her; she innocently accepts the invitation--and the taint inherited from her mother causes her to become the gayest member of the party. But an awakening comes when Scott later seizes her in his arms and endeavors to make love to her. Terrified and disillusioned, Constance rushes to her room. Scott follows and sees her press Corinne's picture to her breast. In a flash he realizes that the gay "Queen of Bohemia" is Constance's mother. Taunting her with her origin, he gives her an hour to decide whether to accept his attentions. Left alone, Constance prays for strength. Slipping from the house, she rushes back and seeks shelter in the arms of the Mother Superior. Meanwhile, Scott has come to realize the contemptible part he has played. His beliefs, expressed in his new novel, cry out against him. He sees the young minds it might corrupt and the Sin in its wake. Thrusting the manuscript into the fire, Scott wonders if Constance can forgive him and be his wife.