Summary
A vibrant tapestry of social pretense and burgeoning romance unfurls as Ruth Elliott, a painter whose artistic aspirations far outstrip her actual renown, fabricates a career for her Eastern friend, Mildred Colburn. Upon Mildred's unexpected Western sojourn en route to Honolulu, Ruth's carefully constructed illusion necessitates immediate scaffolding. Enter Peter Neyland, a scion of wealth masquerading as a hired chauffeur for a mere five hours – a whimsical diversion for him, a desperate gambit for Ruth. Their initial encounter, a charade of class and convenience from the train station to a quaint tea house, quickly escalates when Mildred's formidable chaperon, Mrs. Peabody Jones, announces an unforeseen week-long delay, trapping all parties in Ruth's fabricated success. Peter, observing Ruth's mounting distress and clearly enamored by her spirited struggle, discreetly offers his uncle's opulent apartment as a temporary haven, maintaining his incognito status. The farce deepens when Mrs. Jones, ever the social climber, demands an audience with local luminaries, compelling Peter to enlist his loyal valet, McQuade, and amiable friend, Ted Latham, into a convoluted scheme of celebrity impersonation. This elaborate pantomime culminates in the comically unfortunate arrest of Peter's actual uncle and butler, mistaken for burglars amidst the chaos. Through this delightful maelstrom of mistaken identities and comedic blunders, genuine affection blossoms: Peter finds himself undeniably smitten with Ruth, while Ted discovers an unexpected spark with Mildred, ultimately leading to a joyous, albeit double, matrimonial conclusion, proving that truth, and love, often emerge from the most intricate of deceptions.
Synopsis
Struggling young painter Ruth Elliott has written her Eastern friend Mildred Colburn that she has gained fame in the West as an artist. When Mildred stops to visit on her way to Honolulu, Ruth hires Peter Neyland to pose as her chauffeur for five hours. Peter is actually a wealthy young man who accepts the offer as a lark. He chauffeurs the two women from the train station to a tea house. Mildred's chaperon Mrs. Peabody Jones, arrives with the news that the boat has been delayed and the two must stay with Ruth for a week. Without divulging his identity and aware of Ruth's predicament, Peter places his uncle's apartment at Ruth's disposal. When Mrs. Jones demands to meet celebrities, Peter's valet McQuade and his friend Ted Latham are put into service. The uncle and butler are later arrested as burglars. Meanwhile, Peter has fallen in love with Ruth. Ted has fallen in love with Mildred and double weddings follow.
