Youth

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Harold Harcourt, a well-to-do young sculptor employs Elena, his wife, as his model, and she lends inspiration to many beautiful pieces of statuary. But a few years later, while striving for the Great Prize, a statue of "Youth," he finds Elena lacks that indefinable "something," which spells Youth. Without regard for her feelings he frankly tells her she is too old, and when Ione, a vivacious and ideally formed young girl visits them, he sees in her the perfect model for his greatest work. The inevitable follows, and Elena, her heart breaking, watches the growing fascination of her husband and Ione, while he exhibits only coolness toward herself. Julian, a former suitor, comes into her life, and she is about to run away with him, when a sight of her husband's marvelous statue stays her. Instead, she goes away alone after leaving a note for her husband saying she trusts in his sense of honor to save the situation. His conscience awakened, he makes honorable amends, smashes the work of art he has created, in expiation, and secures his wife's loving forgiveness.