The Pretender
Occupying a menial position as maid to the Warrentons, an ostentatious family whose chief ambition is social recognition and the marrying of their daughter to a man of money. Betty cherishes a secret ambition to be a lady just once. This opportunity is granted her unexpectedly when the Warrentons close their summer home and leave for two months visit to the seashore. The servants are given a vacation for that period. Bowing to the temptation, Betty draws her savings, amounting to $500, and decides to make one supreme effort to realize her dream. She slips away in secret, renews her wardrobe, and registers at a renowned beach resort hotel. Blessed with physical beauty and carriage, liberally enhanced by her carefully selected wardrobe, her dainty appearance captivates the guests at the hotel, likewise engendering an air of romantic mystery. Bert Royal, considered in social circles the catch of the season, becomes interested in Betty, particularly so when she deliberately snubs him, which is in direct contrast to the snobbish attention displayed by other marriageables. It is only after marked persistency that friendship is permitted which unconsciously merges into the romantic. The Warrentons meanwhile have received a social tip that Bert Royal is at this hotel and all engagements are cancelled in order to likewise, register, they believing their daughter eligible to a possible engagement. Betty, with Bert at the time, sees the approach of her employers and hastily leaves, packing her belongings and slipping away before Bert discovers the fact. He promptly packs and follows in a wild, but persistent attempt to locate her. Consternation reigns at this unexpected change on the part of the guests. A few months later the Warrentons are entertaining and Betty occupies the same position as maid. At a dinner it is discovered that there are thirteen guests at the table, and, in order to pacify the superstitious, Mrs. Warrenton, unable to resort to other method, compels Betty to don her daughter's gown and dine to offset the fateful number. An envious impression is created as she enters, but as they prepare to dine she is stricken dumb with amazement to discover among the guests her seaside friend, Bert Royal, he at the same time calling her by name in unfeigned surprise and pleasure. Casting aside dignity, Betty dashes in mad flight from the dining room, followed by the persistent Bert Royal, who at length captures her, listens in amusement to her tearful confession and, well, the story ends as all would have it.
