His Wife's Stratagem
Directed by Phillips SmalleyJabez Hardy, a hard-hearted old bachelor, discharges his nephew, Chester, from his employ because he married without the old gentleman's consent. Pearl, Chester's wife, whom Uncle had never seen, decides to get a position in Uncle's office, with a view to getting Chester his job back. She is engaged as typist, and Uncle is very much smitten with her. He pays her attentions, and one evening insists upon seeing her to her home. She invites him in, and Chester, seeing them coming, hides. The old gent is making love to Pearl, when Chester enters the room with a gun and pretends to be very angry. He recognizes his uncle and, after expressing his surprise, introduces him to his wife. Uncle congratulates the pair and leaves the couple serene in the belief that Chester will be re-employed. However, Uncle dispatches a letter to Chester, telling him that as his wife is such a treasure he has no need of any other, so he has made a will leaving his entire fortune to a Chinese missionary fund. The young couple are very much chagrined, but have to make the best of the plot, that failed.
