To the Highest Bidder

暂无简介Rose Weston looked up from her uncongenial task of churning butter, as Robert Wayne, her sweetheart, came up the path. That night the family is gathered in the sitting-room. Robert and Rose's father talk \"crops.\" Rose's fat brother is engaged in brushing flies from his forehead, her mother is sewing. Rose bangs at the piano unmercifully. \"Rose, child, what is the matter? Hush !\" \"I am tired of stopping, hushing, being quiet, living in the country, listening to talk of crops!\" She rushes blindly from the room. Later Robert hands Rose a letter. She is still angry, so he kisses her and leaves. Next day Rose receives a letter from a former schoolmate, Esther, who deplores the fact that the girl is going to marry a farmer, settle down in the country and be an old \"drudge.\" Shortly, thereafter, Rose's father hands her a check for $500, which has been left her by an uncle. In the night, Rose slips from the house, having left a note saying that she is going to the city and Robert ought to be glad to get rid of her. Rose goes to the apartment of Esther, where there is in progress a Bohemian party. The girl drinks her first glass of wine. There follows many auto trips and suppers. Rose's funds are becoming very low. She announces, to friends, at the close of a day spent in the woods, that, at the end of a certain time, she will sell herself to the highest bidder. Meanwhile a prospector has met Robert and discovered a copper mine, which the two develop. Robert comes to town, and with his partner is seated in a restaurant where there is a gay party. He is attracted to one of the women, and when she turns he sees that she is Rose. His partner tells him of her declaration to sell herself to the highest bidder. Rose sees Robert and starts to speak to him. He repulses her. When she arrives home she finds him waiting for her. He remonstrates with her and she orders him out of the place. The day of the auction draws near. Robert gives his partner a blank check telling him to bid anonymously for the woman. The auction is at hand. Rose, mounted on a chair, goes under the hammer. Suitors bid for her. One offers riches in India; another spreads jewels at her feet; another lures her with the promise of making her a prima donna; Robert's friend offers wealth, in the form of a check, in behalf of an absent friend. A message arrives. Rose announces that every one is outbidden. Robert is dejected when his partner tells him the outcome of the sale. He packs up and goes back to the farm. In the garden he meets Rose. She shows him her father's note, telling her he forgives her for having left home and explains this is a higher bid than any for her. They are happily reunited, each the richer for their experiences.\n\nMoving Picture World, September 15, 1917