The Better Man

Lord Hugh Wainwright, en route to California to attend a land-inheritance ceremony, misses his boat in rescuing Nancy Burton, a young American girl, from a brutal peddler. Interested in the girl, he obtains employment with her Uncle Phineas Ward as a valet and comes to America with them, though Nancy is aloof because of his low station. Mrs. Ward decides to have Hawkins (really Hugh) pose as Lord Tatterton. Ward takes him into his confidence, revealing his plans to get the Wainwright (Hugh's own) property; but he declares his love for Nancy. When Hugh announces he is Lord Wainright, the Wards send for officers from the insane asylum. Hugh, however, leads a wild chase and abducts Nancy. He is identified by the British consul, and all ends well.