By the bedside of his sick mother, young "Roderigo Perragini," an Italian lad in his fifteenth year, declares that he will always remember his father's face, although it is six years since the husband and father left Italy for parts unknown. The stricken mother, recalling the happy days when the father taught young "Roderigo" to play the violin, asks that she may hear the favorite selection of her husband's, which the lad plays so beautifully. Complimenting him on his playing, the mother implores that he continue to study and become a great musician. In a few years he is an accomplished player, and at the age of thirty years his fame has reached to America. Going to the United States under the nom-de-plume "Nicholas Celia," he becomes the rage. While playing at a large social function he recognizes his father as the husband of his wealthy hostess, and learns that "Perragini, Sr.," has prospered beyond his imagination. The memory of his boyhood days inspires him to play as he never did before, which, coupled with his good looks and manly bearing, makes a strong impression on his hostess. Following the recital a flirtation is carried on between the young musician and his hostess, which leads to their being surprised by the husband, who tells his wife to return to their guests. On returning to his hotel, young "Perragini," with his mother's picture before him, vainly seeks a solution for his troubles. Next morning he decides to pay a visit to his father's house, and by telephone arranges an interview. Upon arrival he receives a more than friendly reception. When the voice of the father is heard in the lower hall, the hostess hurriedly hides her guest behind the portieres. The husband enters, and the instrument case which had been overlooked is lying in full view of anyone entering the room. The husband explains that he became ill at the office. Discovering the instrument case and his wife's agitation, he accuses her of intimacy with the young musician. Listening intently behind the portieres, young "Perragini" decides to play his boyhood selection, which the father recognizes, and by his queer actions drives the wife from the room. Seeing the portieres move, "Perragini, Sr." draws them apart. His frightened gaze meets the calm features of his son's face. The father demands where he learned that selection. The son's reply that "it was my father's favorite when I was a boy" recalls the wrongs which he can never right to the now distracted father. His plea for forgiveness is unheeded by both his wife and his son, who leave him to suffer alone, broken in heart and spirit. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis

• Plot Summary

• Short
• Drama