The Burden Bearer
Directed by Arthur V. JohnsonRobert Neville, a naval office, returns form a two years' cruise to find that Agnes, his mother's ward, whom he loves has given her heart to Dudley, his younger brother. Dudley, his mother's favorite, scarcely more than a spoiled boy, has fallen under the influence of Cecelia Dean, a beautiful and notorious vampire. Not only is the boy on the verge of moral and financial ruin, but declares his intention of marrying Cecelia. He determines to save his brother. He vainly attempts to bribe Cecelia. In his desperation he is upon the point of striking her, but her physical courage causes him to hesitate. He forms a new plan, and plays upon her inordinate vanity by pretending to have been swerved from his course by her charms, and becomes, apparently a passionate lover. Cecelia really falls in love with Robert, and indifferently throws Dudley aside. Dudley takes comfort in the love of Agnes, but not unnaturally conceives a bitter hatred for Robert, and forces a quarrel upon him. The mother and Agnes blindly champion Dudley, and there is a complete break between Robert and the family. Robert continues to play the part of Cecelia's lover until Dudley and Agnes are married, when he tells Cecelia that he has cared for her no more than she has for the men she has duped and ruined. Robert goes away to patiently take up his duties, none thanking him for having taken up their burden.
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