Her Wonderful Secret - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Colonel Fairfax, an old-time Southern gentleman, and his sixteen-year-old granddaughter, Edith, find themselves at the close of the Civil War with a large and much run-down estate. They are poor beyond description. One servant, old Rastus,...See moreColonel Fairfax, an old-time Southern gentleman, and his sixteen-year-old granddaughter, Edith, find themselves at the close of the Civil War with a large and much run-down estate. They are poor beyond description. One servant, old Rastus, more than seventy years of age, and loyal to the core, has remained in their service. A letter arrives that has been delayed at the post office, from which the Colonel learns that Beverley Spottiswoode, his boyhood friend, whom he has not seen in years, is due that very day. In a nearby town, the wealthy Mr. Spottiswoode tells his nephew, Raoul Pinckney, who is to inherit his fortune, that he will be delayed for several hours, and sends him to the Fairfax plantation to make excuses for his delay. Edith is about to kill "Daniel Webster," the only chicken left of their big stock in order to provide dinner for Spottiswoode when Raoul arrives. He asks Edith if she needs any help. She is so disconcerted at the presence of the stranger, that she allows "Daniel" to escape. Raoul introduces himself, but does not specify that he is Mr. Spottiswoode's nephew and traveling companion. Edith explains that she was about to sacrifice the rooster, though he had been a pet for many years, as they expect a distinguished guest for dinner and there isn't anything else available. Raoul assures her that, under the circumstances, the distinguished guest would be greatly disturbed at the sacrifice of "Daniel," and persuades her to let him live. Raoul is then introduced to the Colonel, and while Edith is out of the room, he requests him not to divulge to her that he is Mr. Spottiswoode's nephew, and the Colonel agrees to keep his identity a secret. Raoul then takes Rastus into his confidence and provides him with ample money to secure provisions. Edith and Raoul ransack the trunks in the old attic for some suitable attire. By this time Mr. Snottiswoode arrives they have Rastus arrayed in a gorgeous coat with brass buttons and a collar that nearly chokes the old man to death. The Colonel is fitted out in keeping with his station, and Edith herself is resplendent in a dress that had been grandma's in days before the war. Of course, the denouement had to come sooner or later, and Edith is much abashed when she finds out that Raoul is Mr. Spottiswoode's nephew, but she readily forgives the deception under the influence of the dinner. In the evening, when the Colonel and Mr. Spottiswoode are chatting by the fire, Edith and Raoul are seated over by the old piano in the shadow, talking in low tones and seeming very much interested in each other. The two old men look at them and smile at each other. There is every evidence of a match in the making. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less