प्लॉट

Bess Hulette is disappointed and feels ignored when her husband Aleck accepts a partnership in an ad agency owned by Stephen Graves. She tells her neighbor, Mrs. Leonard, about her predicament. One day a young woman, Dorothy Delamore, is injured in a car accident just outside the Hulettes' home. Bess meets Dorothy's brother, Jack, who is attracted to her. Noticing his attraction, Mrs. Leonard--who is cheating on her own husband--urges Bess to take up with Jack. Still feeling ignored by her husband, Bess accepts an invitation to a party at Jack's house, but finds out that things aren't exactly what they seem.—frankfob2@yahoo.com

After two years, Aleck Hulette and his wife, Bess, still style themselves "The Doves." Stephen Graves, president of a large advertising agency, proposes merging Aleck's small agency with his firm. A partnership has been Aleck's particular ambition. Bess discusses the partnership with Mrs. George Leonard, a new and not altogether desirable neighbor. Ellery Leonard, her husband, is heartbroken over her frivolity and lack of sympathy. Jack Delmore and his sister, Dorothy, are hurt in an auto crash near Mrs. Leonard's home. Ellery voices his dislike for the Delmores, and just then Jack carries Dorothy in, seriously injured. Dr. Hogue is called, while Jack goes next door for some brandy. Bess, believing Aleck has changed his mind and returned, is surprised when she sees a stranger. She gives him the brandy and then notices his wounded hand. Delmore pays her a pretty compliment, and Bess invites him and his sister to meet her husband some time. Young Dr. Hogue is married. He attends to Dorothy's injuries and becomes smitten with her. The next day, receiving word that Aleck will not return until midnight, Bess is persuaded to go shopping with Georgie Leonard and have luncheon in town. Georgie secretly arranges with Charles Brown, a man-about-town, to meet them at the Plaza. At luncheon, Bess and Georgie are joined by Brown and Delmore (very casually) and Bess notes Georgie's intimacy with Brown. On his return, Aleck does not tell Bess of his plans, which almost breaks her heart, but he assures her she will become accustomed to it, especially when he begins to shower luxuries upon her. Bess doubts if things will ever be the same again. As time passes, the relations between Bess and Aleck grow more strained, despite the moneyed success. Delmore, wishing to check the growing intimacy between Dr. Hogue and Dorothy, declares that his professional visits are no longer necessary. Dorothy resents his interference, but Jack assures her that he desires only to cherish and protect her. Bess confides to Delmore that Aleck and she have drifted apart. Aleck returns unexpectedly and sees Delmore alone with Bess. He commands Bess not to see him and his friends again, but she resents this, declaring it only the whim of a neglectful husband. Ellery denounces Georgie as an unfaithful wife. The next day, she goes to Brown's apartment, but he has sent her a letter breaking the engagement for that evening and settling everything between them, as he is to be married shortly to someone else. She fears that Ellery will kill them both if the letter falls into his hands. She goes to Delmore, asking that he send Bess away when she comes to his apartment. When Bess arrives, Delmore tells her that Georgie is coming with Brown very shortly. Georgie had told Bess she was to come with Ellery. Bess is alarmed at the deception, but forgets it in a toast to Delmore. He makes love to her and embraces her forcibly. She struggles and then her screams are smothered in a paroxysm of choking. Frightened, Delmore puts her down, while the butler rings for a doctor. The phone rings. It is Mrs. Hogue. She tells Delmore his sister and Dorothy and Dr. Hogue have eloped. She pleads with Delmore to stop them, saying she will forgive her husband everything. Delmore promises to do his best. Aleck comes to Delmore's apartment, and the butler, believing him to be the doctor, shows him in. He sees Delmore alone with Bess. She is in a chair, disheveled and gasping. He denounces Delmore. He tells Delmore to keep Bess. Bess pleads with Aleck to take her home. Aleck takes Bess home. Delmore arrives at the railroad station in time to snatch Dorothy from Hogue. Ashamed, Hogue returns to his wife and children, who welcome him. Bess and Aleck decide to make their mistakes stepping stones to future happiness and Aleck asks the forgiveness of his Little Partner, which is granted. A reconciliation dinner is tendered by the Hulettes to Stephen Graves and his wife, who was formerly secretary to Graves and Aleck Hulette.