The Inner Struggle

Summary

Dr. Grant, a dedicated physician tending to a remote leper colony in the Pacific, harbors a profound, unrequited affection for Myra Hamilton. Their paths diverge when Myra falls under the sway of Harry Elliot, a dissolute scion of society whose proposal, born of a mere dare, Grant futilely warns her against. A visit to Grant’s laboratory becomes a crucible: Myra, aghast at his vivisection experiments, condemns his perceived cruelty, only for Harry to callously chloroform the canine subject, obliterating months of Grant's meticulous research. This act of wanton destruction ignites a simmering vendetta within Grant, who vows a reckoning. Myra's subsequent engagement to Harry ushers in a period of disillusionment as her efforts to reform him prove futile. A chance eavesdropping on Grant’s impassioned rebuke of Harry’s detrimental influence stirs in Myra a nascent appreciation for Grant’s inherent nobility. Witnessing Harry with a cabaret singer shatters her resolve, driving her to Grant for solace. Recognizing Harry's burgeoning jealousy, Myra and Grant orchestrate a complex charade: Grant will ardently court Myra, hoping to shock Harry into sobriety. The gambit works, perhaps too well. Harry, discovering them together, explodes in a fit of possessive rage, leaving a cryptic note implying self-harm. Grant, in a desperate race against time, pursues him to the country estate, only to be violently assaulted by the infuriated Harry. Bleeding but resolute, Grant contacts Myra, vowing to return Harry a transformed man. He then commits Harry to an asylum, confronting him with the stark, devastating consequences of his intemperance. After an arduous period of rehabilitation, Grant tests Harry’s newfound resolve, witnessing his triumph over temptation. Fulfilling his promise, Grant reunites a reformed Harry with Myra, then quietly recedes. Myra, seeking to express her gratitude, finds Grant preparing to depart, having accepted a permanent posting at the leper colony, a mission he embraces with quiet conviction. Years later, a letter arrives from Myra, announcing Harry’s death and imploring Grant’s return. Though his heart momentarily yearns, Grant’s unwavering commitment to his humanitarian calling prevails; he incinerates the plea, his selfless destiny sealed.

Synopsis

Dr. Grant, in charge of a leper colony in the far Pacific, had once loved a beautiful girl, Myra Hamilton. Then she met Harry Elliot, a dissipated young society man. Dared by the boys, Harry proposed to Myra. Grant warned her of Harry's character, but she would not listen. Myra and Harry visit Grant's laboratory, where she learns of the vivisection experiment Grant was working on. She bitterly berated him for his cruelty to his canine subject. While Grant explained to her, Harry chloroformed the dog. Grant, furious at this ruthless destruction of his months of labor, resolved that Harry would pay. Myra announced her engagement to Harry a few nights later. Myra soon found that she had a hopeless task before her in trying to reform Harry. One day she overheard Grant remonstrate with him for his actions in causing her pain, and she began to appreciate his nobility. Again she saw Harry with a cabaret singer. Overwhelmed with grief, she determined to see Grant and obtain comfort from him. Myra noticed that Harry was inclined to be jealous, and discussed with Grant a plan to bring him to his senses. Grant was to pay ardent court to Myra. Soon Harry began to notice Grant's attention to his wife. He found them together one day, and wild with rage, left a note stating that they would find his body at the country home. Grant raced after Harry to the country house. Harry, with an oath, rose and struck him, and cursed Myra. Grant, bleeding, made his way to the telephone, called up Myra, and told her he would bring Harry back to her a man. Grant then brought him to an insane asylum and showed him the ruin drink caused. After weeks of hard work Grant felt that Harry was ready for the test. He deliberately placed temptation in his way, but Harry conquered. And so Grant brought him back to Myra. She forgave him. Grant then quietly left. Soon Myra looked for him to thank him. He showed her a letter which stated that his application as physician at the leper colony had been accepted, and he left at once. Sometime later Grant received a letter from Myra asking him to come back to her as Harry had died. His first impulse was to go, but when he realized his mission he burned the letter.