The story
“Emelyn Lewis, a reporter, while vacationing in an out-of-the-way seashore village, for the first time in his life really falls in love. The girl, Lydia Starr, lives with widowed Martha Starr, whom she calls ‘mother,’ and Lewis, a frequent visitor at their cottage, is keenly studied by the older woman. At last she decides that he deserves to know the history of the girl he loves, and how she came to be reared in such humble circumstances. Sixteen years before, Martha relates, a ship was wrecked on the reefs off the island. The captain was washed ashore, and before he died he made it known that a woman and child were in the wreck. The woman was found dead. But the child, still breathing, was brought safely to land. Little Lydia, her parentage unknown, had been brought up as Martha’s own daughter. The story in no degree dissuades Lewis from his desire to marry the girl. Some time later, in the city, Lydia’s fiancé has occasion to investigate a well-known millionaire. In the office ‘morgue’ he finds clippings of sixteen years before which make him realize that Lydia is the orphaned niece of Goldsmith Tudor. He takes the proof to Martha Starr. Lewis tells her that Tudor is a scoundrel, and that his wife is a vain, overbearing society woman. They dread the thought of Lydia going to live with such a guardian as her uncle. Yet, it seems but fair that she should enjoy his wealth and social position. But the girl herself has overheard the discussion. Worldliness fails to enter into her decision. She chooses to remain Martha’s daughter, and to marry the young reporter.”
Summary from Reel Life · 29 May 1915
