A Rich Man's Plaything
Summary
In the industrial heartland of New England, amidst the relentless toil of an oyster cannery, we encounter Marie Grandon, a woman of unyielding spirit. Her world collides with that of "Iron" Lloyd, an elusive millionaire financier and a notorious tenement magnate, whose opulent yacht graces the coastal waters near Marie's humble town. Lloyd, navigating this less gilded reality under the cloak of anonymity, suffers an injury during a local skirmish. Confined by convalescence, he forms an unexpected bond with Marie, a connection that blossoms into an improbable romance. Unaware of his true identity, Marie confides in him, passionately articulating her fervent desire to dismantle the oppressive systems perpetuated by figures like the very man she is falling for, vowing to champion reform if only she possessed the means. To test the depth of her convictions, Lloyd, known to her simply as Strange, orchestrates a clandestine transfer of a substantial fortune to Marie, feigning it as a distant inheritance. Empowered by this newfound wealth, Marie embarks on a crusade in New York, channeling her formidable resolve directly against Lloyd’s sprawling tenement empire. Her mission inadvertently draws the attention of Ogden Deneau, Lloyd’s cutthroat business adversary, who feigns solidarity with Marie’s cause, his true motive being the systematic ruin of his rival. However, Marie harbors her own unresolved grievances against Deneau. In a masterful stroke of strategic planning, she enlists Strange’s unwitting assistance to engineer the simultaneous downfall of both avaricious financiers. Lloyd, still masquerading as Strange, eagerly aids her, even as he is the ultimate target of her righteous indignation. On the climactic evening of her meticulously planned coup, Lloyd reveals his true identity and the elaborate deception. He informs a stunned Marie of Deneau's imminent bankruptcy and, subsequently, unveils his own role in the 'legacy' and the 'test'. Though initially engulfed by a tempest of fury, Marie eventually yields to his earnest explanation, comprehending the profound depths of his unconventional examination of her character. She ultimately consents to forge a new life with him, one purged of the sordid shadows of exploitative wealth.
Synopsis
Marie Grandon, one of the multitude that labor in a big New England oyster cannery, meets "Iron" Lloyd, millionaire financier and tenement owner, whose yacht is cruising off the coast near the town where Marie works. Lloyd is visiting the little city incognito. He gets into a fight and is injured. During his illness he becomes acquainted with Marie, and as he convalesces their friendship ripens into love. Marie tells him that if she had the means she would wage battle against the oppressive tenement lords and carry on a campaign of reform. To test her, Lloyd, whom she knows as Strange, has his lawyer transfer a fortune to her. Marie thinks the money is a legacy from a long lost relative. The girl goes to New York and does what she vowed she would do. She concentrates her fight on Lloyd and his tenements. Ogden Deneau, Lloyd's business rival, associates himself with Marie, claiming interest in her work, but really to crush Lloyd. But Marie also has old scores to settle with Deneau, and in her plan to ruin both of these financiers enlists Strange's aid. Strange, or Lloyd, helps her gladly, and on the evening of the day the grate coup is to be made, meets her. He tells Marie that Deneau is bankrupt. When she asks about Lloyd, he informs her of the deception he has practiced. At first she is furious. Later she hears his explanation of the test and finally agrees to start life over again with him, a life not to be marred with sordid tenements.
