A New Leaf

A pampered New York heir who discovers he is broke after being cut off by his attorney. He plots to marry a wealthy wife to restore his fortune, borrowing $50,000 from his avaricious uncle to finance a six-week courtship. As he falls for Henrietta, his plan softens into genuine affection, and he begins to see value in responsibility and partnership.

A clumsy, painfully shy botany professor with no family, generous and unguarded. She invites Henry to join her life and work, and she dreams of discovering a new plant species and naming it after herself. Her fern discovery Alsophila grahami marks a turning point, and her trust helps Henry grow beyond mercenary motives.

Henrietta's lawyer who opposes the union and schemes to keep Henry's plans from succeeding. He leverages Henry's debt and manipulates the situation, hoping to secure Henrietta for himself. His schemes backfire as Henrietta's trust and Henry's changing heart undermine his goals.

Henry's loyal valet who observes Henry's moral transformation and notes his growing competence. He provides a practical perspective on Henry's evolving relationship with Henrietta and the responsibilities that come with caring for another person.

Henry's avaricious relative who lends the $50,000 and catalyzes the scheme. His money-mindedness and willingness to profit from Henry's plan drive the tension at the story's outset.

A financier involved in arranging the loan that funds Henry's plan. He represents the financial pressures and social machinery that frame Henry's actions.