A Voice from the Fireplace (1910)
Paul Burget and Julian Frouchard have been life-long friends, but the marriage of the latter has somewhat separated them. Julian, however, insists on his friend making their home his own, as it were, and Paul of course is frequently in to tea with them. Bertha, Julian's wife, is an attractive woman, while Paul is an exceedingly handsome young man and it is not long before Bertha and Paul are the warmest friends, and neither of them quite sure that they are not more to each other. They are put to test one evening when, after dinner, all three gather around the card table for a quiet game. The man servant brings in a message for Paul, a request that Paul meet a certain businessman with whom he has dealings immediately. Paul at first insists on leaving with his friend, but Julian asks him to remain with his wife to keep her company and that he will be back in a short time. Paul and Bertha left alone endeavor to talk and amuse themselves but it is a hard task. They seem drawn to each other by an unseen power. Bertha endeavors to read, but the book drops listlessly from her hands. Paul crosses to her and seats himself on the arm of the chair. The woman suddenly turns to the fireplace and asks him to place a log on the fire. Paul does so, then turns about the room. Bertha suggests a game of cards, but as they argue over what was trumps, Paul's hand steals over Bertha's, then both arise again, electrified. Paul turns away resolved to go, but as he dons his overcoat she tells him, "No." A short time later Bertha again attempts to read and Paul seats himself on the arm of the chair. A moment later Bertha's arm steals about his neck, and he, no longer able to resist the temptation, clasps her in his arms and is about to press a kiss to her lips when a loud noise makes them both spring up. A burning log has rolled from the fireplace and out on the rug. Paul springs across the room like a madman and is just placing the log back on the fire when Julian enters. The falling log had saved them! A moment later Paul takes his hat and coat and bids them good-night and Bertha falls sobbing thankfully in her husband's arms.
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GenresDrama
Short
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