The Hypocrites

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• 1916
• Drama

• Watchlist

• Watchlist

Lennard, the son of the squire of the village of Weybury, England, meets Rachel, daughter of Michael Neve, a poor sculptor, for whom he poses. Upon receipt of a letter from his mother telling him that arrangements have been made for his marriage to Helen, daughter of Sir John Plugenet, Lennard leaves Rachel, but with the promise to return. When Lennard reaches home he is told that he must marry Helen to prevent financial ruin overtaking his father. A rumor to the effect that the squire's stableman has been unwise in his relations with Sarah Piper spreads about, so the squire, Mr. Wilmore, who considers himself guardian of the village morals, orders their marriage to take place at once. But the Rev. Edgar Linnel, the village curate, who detests hypocrisy, and who is a man with a broad mind, refuses to perform the ceremony on the ground that he is sure that the stableman has been used as a pawn. Lennard's mother intercepts his letter to Rachel, and the girl, whose father has died, and who believes that he has forsaken her, comes to the village. She falls ill upon her arrival, and the curate learning the cause of her illness exposes Lennard's affair with her. Rachel is compelled by the squire's lawyer to sign a paper absolving Lennard, but the curate reveals the true state of affairs, and the young people are married.