The Maker of Dreams

It is Mrs. Merwin's desire that her son, Harold, marry Rena, an heiress. To this end, she gives a week-end party in the heiress's honor. Harold, of a studious nature, finds himself unable to stand the chatter of the guests and strikes out towards the woods. Attracted by the music, Lorna approaches the mansion. Harold is amazed to see the girl break into a dance, beautiful in its wildness. Discovering her audience, Lorna flees. Harold overtakes the girl of the woods just as she reaches her cabin. In the days which follow, the two fall deeply in love with each other. Mrs. Merwin is horrified when she discovers what has occurred. Meeting Lorna. she succeeds in making the girl believe that Harold's future absolutely demands that he marry Rena. Unaware of her interview with his mother, Harold is thunderstruck when Lorna breaks their engagement. Filled with rage and pique, the boy makes Rena his bride. The shock drives Lorna insane. The ignorant settlers gradually come to regard her as a witch-woman. Neal, Harold's son, bears a remarkable resemblance to the father. The latter has never forgotten Lorna and when Neal announces his intention of marrying Josie, a poor girl, Harold endeavors to help the boy win Rena's consent. Neal and Josie elope, going to the old Merwin mansion to spend their honeymoon. Lorna, a withered hag, sees Neal. Mistaking him for Harold, she frantically tells him that she has loved him all along. Neal, however, spurns her. Wild with rage, Lorna later captures Josie and is about to kill her when Neal saves his bride's life in the nick of time. Harold and Rena follow Neal to the mansion. Thus the old sweethearts again meet. It brings Lorna to sanity. The shock of all she had endured is too great for the old woman and she dies in the arms of the man she loves.