Runa Hodges

John Schuyler, a happily married lawyer, is appointed diplomat and sent to England. Due to an unfortunate accident, his wife and child can not come along with him. On the ship to England, Schuyler meets the notorious Vampire - a relentless gold digger who causes the moral degradation of those she seduces, first fascinating and then draining the very life from her victims.

Lass and her six little puppies are lying near the kennel upon the suburban estate of Mr. Jameson, the wealthy New York broker. Mrs. Jameson, his wife, is walking about the estate accompanied by her six months' old baby and its nurse. She stops and speaks kindly to Lass and her little family. Picking up one of the little dogs, she playfully puts it in the carriage with the baby and petting the little animal, returns it to its mother. She continues upon her walk. This same little puppy strays away from its little brothers and sisters and reaching the railroad tracks, it wanders into the next village, where it is met by a crowd of youngsters that are gathered about the station. They playfully abuse the little animal.

When Runa's big sister marries, she takes the little girl with her to the new home. Things go on smoothly for a time, but later, big sister and her husband are entertaining a great deal, and give a great many parties, and so, in consequence, haven't much time for Runa, who, left to the maid's care, feels rather neglected. One day she runs away and is lost in the woods. Shep, her faithful pet, follows and finds her unable to get up, as she has sprained her ankle. He hurries home, and although he barks loudly, no one heeds him, for all are out searching for the lost child. He manages to get into the harness of his little cart and drags it out to the child. She lifts herself into it and Shep takes her home.

Le vieux major Neal renie son unique enfant, une fille, car il considère son mariage comme une mésalliance. Les années passent. Le vieux major devient un reclus redouté de tous. Un matin (Noël), un panier se trouve sous l'allée couverte du Major.