- John Woodward, city health officer, marries Marie, a rather spoiled girl of quick temper. They start on a delightful honeymoon, but just as they are beginning to enjoy the delights of a charming resort, John receives word that an epidemic of diphtheria has broken out in his city. He at once informs Marie that he must return. Angry and disappointed at his proposed abandonment of their plans, Marie demands that ho remain with her, leaving the matter of the epidemic in the hands of his subordinates, and declares that if he really loved her he would not leave her so soon, it not occurring to her to return with him. When he is firm in his intention to go back to his duty, the girl angrily informs him that if he persists in parting with her now, it will be forever. Loving her passionately, John is almost brokenhearted, but goes, and a complete estrangement results, Marie, in her selfish pride, refusing to consider anything but her personal viewpoint. Marie, who really loves her husband, attempts to find forgetfulness by social activities, but with small success. In the midst of her pleasures, she will see a vision of John, fighting desperately for the lives of the people of his city. Unconsciously, she becomes more thoughtful taking an interest in helpless and unfortunate persons of whom she hears. One of these is an old woman, very poor, almost an invalid, but who, nevertheless, is gentle and rather sadly happy. With her Marie becomes friends and at length is shown a wedding gown, yellow with age, and told a story. Fifty years before the old lady put on the wedding gown and started to the church where she was to wed the youth of her heart. Before she reached it, however, came wild tidings; they were fighting at Bull Run; the Standards of the South were reeling backward in defeat; every sword and every man was needed in desperate haste. Delaying only for a single kiss, the lover galloped away, and the girl returned to her home to take off the wedding gown she would never again put on, for though there came news of the victory, snatched from defeat, and a deed of splendid valor, the youthful lover did not return. But, through the long years his memory had been cherished in fond pride, and in the knowledge that her lover had not failed at duty's call, and that she had not hesitated to make her sacrifice upon the altar of patriotism, she who had been the girl of long ago had found a serene content. Marie soon afterward reads that the epidemic has been suppressed, but that John Woodward, bravely exposing himself that others might be protected, is desperately ill. With a sudden awakening to a realization that peace may hold its duties and dangers no less than war, and with a heart filled with love and repentance, she hurries to his side, and in an agony of suspense awaits the crisis, which comes and passes, and it is known that he will live. He looks at her with recognition, and as she bends tenderly over him he whispers, "1 could not love thee, dear, so much, loved I not honor more."—Moving Picture World synopsis
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