The Higher Law
Directed by Romaine FieldingClara Clayton, wife of the district attorney, is vain, selfish and extravagant. She secretly runs into debt, particularly to Kate Davis, a poor dressmaker, to whom she owes $500. Kate, a widow, is in desperate need of money to pay for an operation on her invalid child, and Clara promises she shall have it in time. She does, however, succeed in scraping the amount together. Clara yields to a selfish impulse and spends the money for a necklace while returning from the railway station, where she has said good-bye to her husband, who is leaving for a long vacation. Chance places the new-bought necklace in Kate's hands, and, feeling that she is doing no wrong, the widow pawns it, sending the money to the hospital to pay for the operation. Clara is furious, and urges the assistant district attorney to press a charge of grand larceny against Kate, and he, thinking that his chief will be delighted, prepares the case. As Kate has frankly confessed, there is no doubt of her conviction. Returning home upon the day set for the trial, Clayton learns all the facts in the case and is filled with bitterness. He sees but one chance to right the wrong his wife has done. He telegraphs his resignation as district attorney and to the amazement of the court offers his services to Kate as attorney for the defense. Clayton defends the case. On the facts, Kate must be found guilty, hut is sentenced to but one minute's imprisonment in the judge's private office. The humbled and repentant Clara begs and receives Kate's forgiveness, and later that of her husband. Kate is made happy by the receipt of a message that the operation has been a complete success, and her child will soon be well.
