The Shadow of Doubt

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Wrapped up in his profession, Dr. Martin has no inclination for the social activities which absorb his wife's time. Science has claimed him and he is a devoted servant. A note asking them to attend a soiree, finds the wife eager, but the doctor indifferent. A visit from a needy laborer seeking aid for his stricken child is met with all the doctor's ardor. That night, while the doctor bends anxiously over his fever-tossed patient, his wife sits out a dance with Harry Vernon, a handsome young aristocrat. He sees her home, and exacts from her a promise to attend a party to be given by his mother. At his mother's lawn fete, Harry renews his attentions to Mrs. Martin, and they wander through the beautiful park, happy in each other's society. Charmed by their sympathetic youth, they forget for the moment their positions, and not until it is over does she realize that their kiss involves disloyalty to her husband and child. Next morning, drunk with his love, Harry sends a note, saying that their kiss has sealed his fate and he can but hate the man who stands between them. Dr. Martin, entering, demands the letter, and on her refusal tears it from her. Clearly, with this shadow between them, a continuance of their peaceful home life is impossible. To prevent a scandal, the doctor writes his wife a check for her maintenance, and bids her leave his home and child. She submits to this decree, and leaves, with her love for her husband unimpaired. On learning the result of his rash act, Harry Vernon writes a repentant letter and calls on Mrs. Martin. However, nothing seems to matter but the fact that she has been separated from all she holds dearest. She rents a house next to her husband's in order that she might catch an occasional glimpse of her little one. In the doctor's home all is gloom. The youngster, yearning for her mother, is inconsolable, and starts to pine sadly away. Catching no sight of her beloved young one, Mrs. Martin makes inquiries, and finding that the child is ill, gains admittance to the sick-room. With the eloquent pleading of a yearning mother, she prevails upon the nurse in charge to give her her uniform. The effect upon the child is instant. When the doctor returns, he notices the sudden change in his baby's manner, then, discovering the nurse's identity his surprise turns to consternation, but the gladness of the child, together with the loving devotion of his wife, melts his stern nature, and releasing all his pent-up love, he mingles his caresses with those of his young one.