Ruth Benton, accompanist for the musical director of a big theater, is the sole support of her invalid grandmother, who is suddenly taken ill. The girl is forced to be with the aged sufferer constantly, and as the result of this enforced ...See moreRuth Benton, accompanist for the musical director of a big theater, is the sole support of her invalid grandmother, who is suddenly taken ill. The girl is forced to be with the aged sufferer constantly, and as the result of this enforced neglect of her duties at the theater, loses her position. The cutting off of her income just at the time when her grandmother's condition makes necessary the purchase of expensive medicines, nearly drives her to despair. She is forced to pawn the family jewels in order to meet the situation. Then Ruth meets Robert Sheldon, a poor but promising musician, and the two young people fall in love. One night, while the invalid slumbers in an adjoining room. Bob composes a love song by the light of the moon. When he submits his composition to the manager of the local opera company, it is recognized as a work of great possibilities, and a public performance is promised. Ruth accompanies Bob when he goes to hear his song sung by one of the leading opera stars of the day, and is happy to share his triumph. When they return home they find Ruth's grandmother dead in her chair by the side of the grate fire. After several years of happy married life, Bob and Ruth become prosperous and well known in the most exclusive social circles. He thoroughly enjoys the distinction of being considered a social lion, but Ruth prefers the quiet of their own home. Gradually they begin to drift apart, until at last Bob shamefully neglects his wife. One night while making merry with a party of gay companions, he is seriously injured in an auto accident. The doctor orders him to be taken to the seashore. Ruth accompanies him, and away from the lure of the city's gay life, finds him the same ardent lover that he was of old. Her happiness is complete until the appearance of Kathryn Windell, an adventuress, who uses all her practiced powers of fascination to win the love of the young composer. Ruth recognizes her inability to hold her husband's heart. He is daily more and more in the company of the beautiful Kathryn, and at last, in an unguarded moment, openly makes love to her upon the beach. From the hotel balcony Ruth is sweeping the beach with her field glasses. Just as Bob folds Kitty in his arms, she turns her glasses on the pair. Then, hopeless and desperate, she seeks forgetfulness in the warm water of the Southern Sea. Written by
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