The Sacrifice of Kathleen (1914)

The first friend that poor Nora, a slavey, ever has is Arthur Jordan, a struggling young playwright. From him she hears the first kind words ever spoken to her, and she is glad that such a kind, new boarder, has taken a room at the boarding house where she works. Contrary to the landlady's expressed wishes. Arthur lends Nora a book to read and tells her that he will defend her against her irate mistress if she scolds her. Nora is filled with gratitude toward him. When he finishes writing his play and takes it to the theatrical manager, only to be told that it cannot be produced, she tries to cheer him up. One day, not long afterward, Nora receives a message to the effect that her brother has died and has left her five thousand dollars. Without letting Arthur know, she goes to the manager and makes an arrangement with him whereby he will take her five thousand dollars and produce Jordan's play. The play is put on and is an immediate success. Waldron, now prosperous, leaves the cheap boarding house for better lodgings in a more fashionable part of town. He does not realize that the heart of a poor little slavey is almost broken over his going away, nor that it is due to her that he is so prosperous. Five years later, Arthur, now famous, hears Brandon, the theatrical manager, telling a friend the story of how "The Toilers," Arthur's first play, was produced. Deeply moved, Arthur returns to the old boarding house to seek out his benefactress. He finds the little slavey very ill. In her arms is the book which he gave her to read five years ago. When she recognizes him, a wave of joy envelops her. In a fatherly manner, Arthur fervently clasps the happy girl in his arms and whispers sweet and comforting words of love.