The Social Leper
Summary
In this intricate tapestry of fate and human folly, we witness the tragic orbit of Adrienne Van Couver, a divorcée whose life is inextricably linked to misfortune. A visit to the enigmatic Mme. Melvina unravels a premonition of doom: a tall, dark man, Robert Warren, consumed by a love rejected, harbors dangerous intent, while her true affection for Henry Armstrong is destined to remain unrequited. Simultaneously, the clairvoyant's vision drifts to Lorraine, a young woman whose tears mirror the unseen suffering Adrienne has wrought. Indeed, Lorraine, burdened by a shadowed past, struggles to conceal her lingering attachment to John Dean from her fiancé, Henry Armstrong. Unbeknownst to her, John, a man of profound and silent devotion, confesses his enduring love for Lorraine to his mother. The narrative then plunges into a flashback, as a chance encounter between the distraught Robert Warren and John Dean leads to a cathartic revelation. John, recognizing a kindred sorrow in Robert, recounts his own devastating history: an eight-year marriage to Adrienne, marred by her callous indifference to their child's illness and subsequent death, culminating in their divorce. He speaks of finding solace and love with Lorraine, only to have his fragile happiness shattered by Adrienne's reappearance, her taunts, and a demand for money that Lorraine tragically misinterprets as an illicit affair, pushing her into Henry's arms. This confession ignites a furious rage in Robert, shattering his idealized image of Adrienne. Driven by a vengeful madness, he confronts Adrienne, who, already unsettled by Melvina's prophecy, attempts to call Henry for help. Robert seizes the phone, silencing her plea. Henry, sensing peril, rushes to her aid, as does John, fearing for Adrienne's safety. John arrives to find Adrienne murdered, Robert having just fled, only to be discovered by Henry and the police, who immediately arrest him. Lorraine, heartbroken, implores Henry, a lawyer, to defend John. The subsequent investigation uncovers a crucial clue in Robert's apartment: a coat missing a button, matching one found clutched in Adrienne's hand. Robert is apprehended after a violent struggle. Dawn breaks, bringing a glimmer of hope as Henry, releasing Lorraine from their engagement, paves the way for her reunion with John, whose innocence is now unequivocally established, promising a future salvaged from the wreckage of deceit and tragedy.
Synopsis
Divorcée Adrienne Van Couver visited clairvoyant Mme. Melvina, who tells her that a tall dark man, Robert Warren, is excited over a letter he has just received from her, telling him she does not love him. The fortuneteller bids her beware of him, then tells her that Henry Armstrong, the man she loves, will never love her. The clairvoyant then tells Adrienne of a young girl, Lorraine, whose eyes are dim with the tears that she has caused in another part of the city, Lorraine greets her fiancé, Henry Armstrong, with ill-concealed dejection and he tells her he fears she still loves John Dean, but she dispels his suspicions. John Dean shares the secret of his silent love for Lorraine with his mother. Robert Warren goes out into the night; it is then he meets John. In the other's haggard face, John Dean sees traces of his own sorrow and trying to make it easier for this man who has been his friend for five years, he tells Robert Warren his story. Eight years ago he and Adrienne were married. For two years they lived on the money inherited from his father. It was then the baby came and the father found happiness in the touch of baby hands, but to his wife it made no difference. Then the baby became ill, and while its mother was away dancing, the little life slipped away. Six months later Adrienne was given a divorce. Then he and his mother came to New York and a few years later he met and loved Lorraine Barkley. Although Henry Armstrong was a dangerous rival, Lorraine loved him and he did not fear until the day when the Barkleys gave a reception. It was then he met Adrienne again and she taunted him with his love for the young girl. When she demanded money, he gave it to her. Lorraine sees this and misconstrues the situation. It is then her engagement to Henry Armstrong is announced. John finishes his story and Robert is maddened by the destruction of the halo he had built around the woman he loved. Robert makes his way to Adrienne, who has been nervous and ill at ease ever since she returned from the fortune teller. Robert's haggard appearance frightens her and she telephones Henry, but her call for help is only half-uttered when Robert forcibly takes the instrument from her. Alarmed, Henry starts off at once to help her. Meanwhile, John, fearful for Adrienne's safety, goes to warn her. He arrives just after Robert has made his escape after murdering Adrienne. When Henry arrives with two policemen, he finds John bending over the dead woman. He is arrested. Lorraine is brokenhearted when she hears of the arrest and pleads with Henry, who is a lawyer, to take Dean's case. Detectives search Robert's apartment and find here a coat with buttons similar to one found in the dead woman's hand, and one is missing. They trace Robert to the hotel and after a terrible fight he is taken into custody. Happiness came with the morning, for Henry took Lorraine's hand and told her she was released from her promise to marry him. Then she called up John Dean and told him that she was ready to marry him.
