The Signet Ring

• Watchlist

Prince Walter, having heard of the beauty of Princess Bertha, sends an envoy to ask her hand of her father. The proposal is accepted and the envoy gives to Princess Bertha an engagement ring. The chief adviser of Bertha's father, who wishes a a brilliant marriage for his own daughter, Rosamund, plots to substitute her for the princess. The Princess Bertha leaves her father's castle, en route for her new residence, accompanied by the adviser, Wilfrid. When they are a long way on their journey, Wilfrid abandons the princess in the wood and substitutes his daughter, Rosamund. He takes her on to Prince Walter, who greets her as his fiancée. Meanwhile, Princess Bertha has been given a home by woodmen and has caused them to marvel at her skill in weaving silken cloth. Bertha now embroiders a beautiful shawl which the wife of the woodcutter offers for sale at the castle. Prince Walter demands an audience with the person who embroidered the shawl and, led by the woodcutter, is soon in the presence of Princess Bertha, who still wears on her finger the wedding ring offered by the prince. Wilfrid's plot is then discovered, and while he and his daughter are imprisoned, Prince Walter solemnly recognizes Princess Bertha as his wife.