A Mock Marriage (1913)

John Colby, a spoiled, reckless ne'er-do-well, jaunts to the little town of Westbury and meets Betty Carter, the daughter of country grocer Lige Carter. Betty is artlessness personified, and Colby fills her mind with tales of city life, then leaves her dreaming of gay parties and autos. Upon returning to the city Colby boasts of big conquest to several of his reckless companions, who doubt his story. Colby becomes angered and says that he will show them. He loads the party into an auto and speeds out to the crossroads grocery. The party finds Betty at the well and the girl is the recipient of much flattery when Colby introduces all of his friends. The old grocer sees the visitors, the sand of suspicion is blown into his eye, and he orders the party away. One of Colby's companions proposes a mock marriage ceremony, and Colby, angry at the girl's father, agrees. The girl is sent for and the preparations made for the pretend ceremony. Old man Carter sees Betty steal away and, seizing a shotgun, follows. He comes upon the young profligates just as they are going through the ceremony, and as they prepare to take Betty away with them, the old grocer fires, mortally wounding Colby. Betty turns against her father. She has Colby taken to her father's home, where she nurses him back to life. During the interim the city chap has fallen in love with her. This time a real minister is brought into service, and all are made happy, even old Mr. Carter, who is pleased that matters were so easily mended.

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Summary Details
GenresDrama Short