Her Proper Place

• Watchlist

Agnes Reynolds, bookkeeper in her father's office in a suburban town, is considered the drudge of the household, while her sisters, May and Clarabelle, enjoy a comfortable position in the social set. Harry Cornell, the bank president's son, with whom, it had been generally understood in the town. Agnes was in love, has become enamored of May, and in consequence. Agnes is wholly disregarded by him and her sisters. To add to Agnes' sorrow, Tom, her brother, has returned from college, for the holidays, and informs his mother he is in debt and needs money badly. One thing leads to another, the marriage of May and Harry being the proverbial last straw. Agnes startles her family by stating that she is going to the Capital to work and get something out of life. Agnes has, for some months, admired Senator William Northrup. At the Capital, Agnes gets work as a clerk in the office of a real estate operator, whose office is immediately opposite that of Senator Northrup. She progresses well in her work, and studies stenography in the evenings. Attempts to get financial assistance from home prove futile, and she has to be extremely parsimonious to get along. One evening she remains at the office after hours to complete work on a title. As she is leaving she hears loud voices in Senator Northrup's office and listens. She deduces that someone is trying to bribe the Senator to remain away from the session when the anti-betting bill is to be presented. The senator repudiates the bribe, and in emphatic terms tells the agent of the gamblers he will champion the bill on the floor of the Senate. There is a pistol shot and the would-be murderer rushes out past Agnes. She rushes in, and, staunching the flow of blood temporarily, calls a doctor. The Senator is impressed by the beauty of Agnes, and is so grateful that he indiscreetly offers her money. Agnes leaves, and the Senator realizes his mistake. Subsequently the bill is passed, the Senator telling of the attempted murder and bribe. Efforts to find Agnes are futile, and Senator Northrup is discouraged. She has returned home, and told her family she is engaged to Senator Northrup, now a candidate for Governor. Agnes is feted and lionized. The newspapers get it and Senator Northrup denies the story flatly. Agnes is cornered. A reception is given, and out of curiosity. Senator Northrup goes to the town to see who the woman is who is playing the game. He meets Agnes and realizes. She asks forgiveness and agrees to tell the newspapers the real conditions, as a scandal will ruin his political career. Instead, he asks her whether she can try and care for him a bit, and the answer is affirmative.