Fate

Middle-aged Jacob L. Hamon (played by John Ince) strikes up an acquaintance with Clara Smith, an innocent young high school girl, offers her financial assistance for her education, and employs her as a confidential secretary. Although Hamon is married, an intimate relationship springs up between the wealthy man and Clara, which leads Hamon to arrange a marriage of convenience between Clara and his nephew, F. L. Hamon. (This arrangement allows Clara and Hamon to travel together as Mr. and Mrs. Hamon.) Hamon strikes oil and rises to influence in both the political and business worlds, while his excessive drinking results in increasing debauchery and in brutality to Clara and his business associates. On one occasion Hamon is particularly violent to Clara, and she shoots him. After a few days, Hamon dies, and Clara flees to Texas, thence to Mexico. She later surrenders, returns to Oklahoma, and is tried for murder but is acquitted to the joy of the courtroom audience.