Embittered by his wife's death, caused by a fever she had contracted while working in the slums, Edmund Lortimer is opposed to all charity. When Ethel, his only daughter, marries the man she loves, Lortimer casts her out. A few years later, Ethel's husband dies and Ethel appeals to her father for aid. She sends her father a picture of herself and little baby girl, whom she has named Jessie. Lortimer refuses to aid her, and Ethel in despair, leaves the baby on the doorstep of an orphan home. Remorse comes to Lortimer when he reads an account in the newspaper that his daughter's body had been found in the river, and although he searches diligently, he cannot find her. All he has to remind him of his lost daughter is a picture of Ethel and her child. At the Orphan's home Jessie has been cared for by Ellen, a child a few years older. Lortimer's health has declined, and at his physician's advice he consents to adopt a child. The doctor goes to the Orphan's home, where Ellen and Jessie are brought out for his inspection. He finally decides upon Ellen. During the days that follow, Ellen does not forget Jessie. Knowing Lortimer's objections against charity, she secretly sends Jessie to school. At college they both scrimp along on Jessie's allowance. Trouble comes when they find that Jessie must have a delicate operation performed on her eyes. Ellen sells her furs and jewels to procure the necessary funds. Later, Ellen secretes Jessie in her own room at Lortimer's house. A prying servant tells Lortimer of the presence of "the object of charity" in Ellen's room, Lortimer is about to order Jessie from the house, when he discovers that she is his granddaughter. When he hears the story of the two girls his faith in charity is restored.
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Cast of The Helping Hand
