Plot

Twenty years elapsed and Arthur James has become a famous painter. All these years he has honored the memory of Grace Hawkins, a married woman. He hears of the death of her husband and returns full of hope to the old manor. There he finds that the place had burned down and that Grace, too, has died. Happening into an art shop sometime later he comes across the portrait of Grace which he himself had painted, and he has it removed to his studio. Philip Hawkins, Grace Hawkins' son, in the meantime has become a successful broker and is a member of a large brokerage firm. He goes to the studio of the famous painter, to arrange for a portrait of his senior partner and there comes across the portrait of his mother. A strong friendship exists between the two men. On Philip's side a deep admiration for the older man, on Arthur's side love for the son of the woman he loved. Arthur soon becomes the confident of the younger man and learns about his love affair with Madeline, the daughter of his partner. The firm of Philip Hawkins and Co. is about to float some bonds for a Mining Company and Philip is sent to investigate the mine by a Trust Company which intends taking a large share of the bonds. On his return Arthur questions him about the mine and learns that although he is not satisfied with it he intends to float the bonds. Arthur tries to show him the dishonor of this, but Philip cannot see it. Finally in despair the artist leads Philip to the portrait of his mother and tells him the story of his own fight for honor. Philip is deeply affected, and when the time comes for action in regard to the mine he tells the truth. The result is the insolvency of the firm and a break with Madeline forced by her father. A letter from the president of the Trust Company congratulating Philip on his honorable action and offering him a position, reconciles the father to Philip and to his alliance with Madeline.—Moving Picture World synopsis