An Unexpected Guest (1909)

• 42%
• 1909
• Drama

Young Dr. Fletcher is in love with Alice Chalmers, a young nurse of much refinement who through unfortunate circumstances has been obliged to earn her own living. They love not wisely but too well. Dr. Fletcher writes to his father asking his consent for his marriage with the young nurse. The father, however, has higher plans with his son and at once comes to visit him. He refuses to give his consent and visits the young lady. After a stormy interview she writes to her lover as follows: "My Dear Robert: Your father has just told me of his plans for your future, also that marriage with a girl of wealth and social position can alone assure your rapid advancement. Hence, in view of your father's objection to our marriage, I leave you free to act as you may judge best. Helen. P.S. However I must see you again as there is something you should know and which may affect your decision." The father takes the letter, tears off the postscript and tells his son that his sweetheart has given him up. Two years have passed. Miss Chalmers lies in the hospital on her death bed, in her arms the little child, the son of the young doctor. Learning of his wedding she writes a note to him begging him to see her at once as otherwise it may be too late. The letter unfortunately reaches the hands of Miss Manning, the daughter of a rich banker, who on the morning of her wedding day hurries to the hospital there to learn the life story of her intended. She promises Alice to take care of the little waif. A last pressure of the hand and the poor girl dies. The wedding guests are assembled, the groom is waiting with a happy smile for his intended, but she is nowhere to be found. The door is thrown open, the young lady enters, throws open her coat and shows the little baby to his father. Consternation all around. The young doctor is horror-stricken. He sees the duplicity of his father who vainly tries to excuse his act. The guests are dismissed. The doctor takes his baby to care for it in the future. The bride recognizing that her intended was only misguided, offers to share with him the cares of the little one.