A story of paternal devotion. The scene opens in an ill-kept room of a destitute actor, George Ferguson. He is bending over the bed in which his young daughter is lying ill as the postman enters with a letter, which proves to be from a ...See moreA story of paternal devotion. The scene opens in an ill-kept room of a destitute actor, George Ferguson. He is bending over the bed in which his young daughter is lying ill as the postman enters with a letter, which proves to be from a theatrical agency giving him work at a card party that evening. The old actor gets out his dress suit, brushes it carefully, and is about to leave as the doctor comes in, examines his sick child and leaves a prescription. After attending to this and bidding his daughter a fond farewell. Ferguson goes to the house designated in the letter, presents his card, is ushered in, and introduced to the guests. Dinner is announced and all sit down to the table. After a while the host takes a diamond from a cabinet and passes it around the table for inspection. During this time, Ferguson, unnoticed, takes different articles of food from the table, putting it in his pocket for the little sick girl at home. The dinner proceeds and the host finally asks for the stone. No one seems to have it or know where it is until it is remembered that Ferguson was the last one to handle it. He stoutly denies any knowledge of its whereabouts and a search which is made fails to reveal it. The ladies are asked to leave the room and after they have gone the men are requested to turn their pockets inside out. This they all do until it comes Ferguson's turn and he refuses. Naturally, he is suspected and the host rings for officers. When they arrive, the situation is explained and they proceed to search the suspect. In his pockets they find nothing but a few coins and the food taken from the table for the little sick one at home. He is about to be led away by the officers when one of the waiters discovers the stone under a plate. Ferguson breaks down in shame at being found out, but the host apologizes and bids him forget. The hostess meanwhile realizes the dire poverty which has prompted the man to commit such an act, goes to his rooms, brings the sick child to her own, where father and daughter are tenderly cared for. Written by
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