Trial Marriage

"Marion, a child adopted from a foundling asylum by Mrs. Payson, a wealthy member of society, is caught in a gambling raid and brought to the police station. Her foster brother Billy, son of Mrs. Payson, leaves her to the mercy of the police, who inform Mrs. Payson of arrest and send Marion home. After the upbraiding by Mrs. Payson, Billy, who has concealed himself in Marion's bedroom, proposes a 'companionate marriage, retaining their freedom to do as they wish, not bound by conventions.' The following morning, Mrs. Payson discovers Billy in Marion's room and Marion in bed--scene which shows plainly that they have spent the night together. Marion tells Mrs. Payson that she and Billy have entered into a companionate marriage. Billy lays full blame upon Marion and Mrs. Payson turns her out. The following reels show the efforts of Marion to obtain a position, always hounded by Billy. In desperation she attempts to commit suicide, but is rescued by Madame Ethel--Mrs. Gray of yesterday--who conducts a house of prostitution, and brings her there. There are numerous scenes of girls plying their trade and Marion among them. Lawrence Gray is shown visiting said house, where he is attracted to Marion and finally forces her to go upstairs to room with him and attacks her. In struggle on stairs between Marion and Gray, her dress is torn off and a birthmark on her shoulder is revealed to Madame Ethel. She realizes with horror that the girl is her own daughter and that Gray, whom she previously has recognized as the husband who deserted her years ago, taking the baby with him, is the father of the girl whom he is forcibly taking to a room for his own wicked purposes. In an attempt to rescue the girl, Madame Ethel shoots Gray and herself. Marion is accused of the crime and returned to the police court, where, through the Judge, she is reconciled to Mrs. Payson and Billy, who offers to make amends by marrying her." (New York State license records.)