Summary
In an intricate dance of commerce and courtship, the unassuming Rudolph King, recently betrothed to the winsome Martha Thorne, finds his fate inextricably linked with that of her uncle, the astute John Chandler, through a burgeoning partnership in the pork-and-bean industry. To solidify a lucrative contract supplying the United States Army, the duo orchestrates a festive house party, their primary quarry being the discerning Pell Kingston, a key procurement agent. Rudolph, afflicted by a peculiar shyness regarding romantic overtures, devises a cunning, if morally dubious, scheme to sway Martha. He implores Pell to impersonate him in the dark, delivering a clandestine kiss to Martha, hoping her favorable response will then be attributed to his own, feigned boldness. The ruse, initially successful in its immediate effect on Martha, unravels when she discerns the true identity of her nocturnal suitor, finding herself unexpectedly drawn to Pell. This revelation ignites a series of amorous complications, further exacerbated by the unexpected romantic interest Mrs. Irene Chandler, Martha's aunt, also displays towards the charismatic Pell. As the evening progresses, a delightful pandemonium of mistaken identities and misdirected affections ensues, culminating in a charming disentanglement of romantic knots, allowing Pell and Martha to depart the festivities, their burgeoning connection firmly established.
Synopsis
Rudolph King becomes engaged to Martha Thorne, the niece of John Chandler, when he and Chandler form a pork-and-bean producing partnership. The two hold a house party for Pell Kingston, who buys pork and beans for the United States Army, to negotiate a contract. To convince Martha of the merits of kissing, the shy Rudolph asks Pell to kiss her in the dark, and when she responds favorably, Rudolph claims the credit. Martha discovers that Pell, to whom she is attracted, actually kissed her, but things become confused when Mrs. Irene Chandler also demonstrates an interest in Pell. After several amatory mix-ups, everything is cleared up, and Pell and Martha leave the party together.
