The Second Commandment

• 1915
• Other, Drama

Deserting his wife and daughter, Richard Stevens flees with Mirza, the wife of a sun worshiper. The latter had been killed by Mirza while fighting a duel with Richard. A year later, Richard's wife dies, after entrusting her daughter to the care of a friend. At the same time, a son is born to Mirza. Seventy years pass. Warren Stevens, the grandson of Richard and Mirza, meets Helen Royce, the granddaughter of Richard and Alice. Helen is intensely religious, while Warren is the leader of a cult of image worshipers. While Warren's followers meet in his room at the hotel, he leaves by a window and robs their rooms of valuables. Warren falls in love with Helen. She refuses him because of his religion. Before renouncing it for Helen's sake, Warren is tempted to commit one more robbery. Fate causes him to enter the girl's room. Thus Helen becomes aware of Richard's character. Shortly afterward, Helen's father dies in spite of the best of medical attention. The girl becomes interested in Clinton, a Christian Scientist. A paralytic stroke leaves Helen helpless. Burglars enter her apartment. In her extremity, the invalid concentrates her mind in prayer. Suddenly Helen's strength returns. She confronts the burglars, capturing one of them. He proves to be Warren. Again Helen allows him to go, but Warren is captured by the police shortly afterward. Her heart filled with gratitude toward the man who taught her the efficacy of prayer, Helen weds Clinton.