The story
“Firmly convinced that he was destined to become a great painter, Jack, the proprietor of a greenhouse, gradually brought about the ruin of his prosperous business by his inattention to the wants of his customers. His wife, who had faith in her husband’s ability, supported the household by working as a dressmaker. Selfish to the core, Jack insisted that a thousand dollars which his wife received from a distant relative be used toward his tuition in an art school in Paris. While she preferred to pay off the mortgage on their little home, May acceded to her husband’s wishes, and while she stayed at home Jack left for Paris, believing that he would quickly win fame and fortune. In this he was not disappointed.
“The long months passed and Jack soon began to make a name for himself in the French capital. Several of his pictures were exhibited in the Spring Salon, and letters from his admirers began to pour in. Among the women who pursued the successful artist was a French model with whom Jack soon became infatuated. Long hours before the canvas and much night work ruined the painter’s eyes, however, and with the first sign that her sweetheart was losing his sight the model deserted him. Nearly a year later May, back in America, heard that her husband was dying in a Paris slum. Faithful even until death she nursed him in his last illness and did not even undeceive him when he caressed her, believing that the fickle model had come back to him at last.”
Summary from Reel Life · 2 May 1914
