The Puppet's Hour

Ted is a worshiper of feminine beauty. On New Year's Eve he writes to his sister, telling her that he may break his engagement with Beth, as her plainness gets on his nerves. He also writes a note to Beth, explaining that he cannot watch the New Year in with her as he had accepted an invitation to a stag. The servant who delivers the notes, mixes them and Beth receives the one intended for Ted's sister. After reading it, she sends back his ring. Meanwhile in a toy shop in the same city, the life-sized puppets come to life for one hour to celebrate New Year's Eve, and Mignon, the society puppet, begs for one hour of the world. The others consent, providing she returns at the stroke of twelve. If she fails to do so, she will turn into an old crone. She leaves the shop and wanders into the house where Ted is dining, and her presence causes quite a disturbance. Ted immediately falls in love with her beauty, and draws her into the conservatory for a tete-a-tete. So absorbed is the puppet in the charming Ted, that she forgets the hour, and, as he is about to kiss her, she turns into an old crone in his arms. Ted, disgusted at the sight, returns to his rooms, and finds the ring awaiting him. Appreciating at last his sweetheart's value, he makes elaborate explanations over the 'phone, and she finally allows him to finish watching the New Year in with her. As he clasps her in his arms he gives thanks that he was shown in time that he who worships Beauty alone, builds his altar on the sands.