That Pendleton and Woodburn are desperately in love with May Van Buren, a wealthy society woman, is revealed in the early scenes, but Woodlburn, while awaiting his charmer, accidentally discovers one of May's bills which convinces him that her extravagances are beyond his pocketbook. He thereupon withdraws from the field leaving Pendleton, his rival, to woo the lady. Ere the engagement is announced. Woodburn inherits a fortune and hastens to again call upon May with the intention of renewing his attentions. He finds Pendleton and May in the garden and is told by Pendleton that May has just consented to be the latter's wife. Bitter with disappointment, Woodburn plans to ruin Pendleton on the stock market, and taking advantage of the latter’s absence on his honeymoon, Woodburn drives down the stocks in which his rival is interested. May rather resents the flood of telegrams that interrupt their honeymoon, all of them demanding that her husband hasten back to New York and uphold the market price of his stocks, and succeeds finally in persuading him to neglect his business. On the verge of ruin, several days following his return to the city, Pendleton appeals to Woodburn for a loan of $50,000 and the latter proposes that the two shall deal a hand of poker. lf Pendleton wins he is to be given the loan, but if he loses Woodburn is to have May and Pendleton is to disappear. A few tense moments pass and Pendleton loses. Heartbroken, hereturns home, and after writing a confession procures a revolver from his desk. Woodburn, meanwhile, in his own home boasts to his mother of his success over Pendleton. The mother surprises him by replying that Pendleton's father once saved them from ruin, and that out of gratitude he ought to help the son out of his difficulties. Touched by his mother’s plea, Woodburn writes Pendleton a note declaring that though he has won he shall not claim his victory, and with the note he encloses a check for $50,000. Woodburn’s note arrives in time to prevent a tragic scene between husband and wife, and Mrs. Pendleton, who now realizes that her extravagance has been, partially at least, responsible for her husband's losses, suggests that they begin life anew, with happiness their goal rather than wealth. - Motography, Nov.20 1915
Also known as "The Alternative."