The Devil to Pay

Willie Hale returns to his home country of England after spending time in East Africa. He seeks stability and a new beginning, which prompts his decision to invest in a loyal canine companion.

Despite his frustrations over Willie's previous failures, Lord Leeland grants Willie £100 for personal expenses. This gesture symbolizes his reluctant support for Willie's latest endeavor.

Willie reconnects with his past love, the renowned theater star Mary Crayle. This reunion stirs up old feelings and complicates Willie's new relationship with Dorothy Hope.

At the Derby, Willie treats Dorothy and his sister Susan to an exciting day filled with anticipation. He hits the jackpot by betting on an improbable longshot horse at 50-to-1 odds, bringing both excitement and financial gains.

Captivated by Willie's charm at the Derby, Dorothy decides to end her engagement with the financially troubled Grand Duke Paul. This pivotal decision sets off a chain of events that reshapes Willie's romantic prospects.

Willie, initially hesitant about Dorothy's growing affections, ultimately decides to propose. He insists that to commit to her, he must completely sever ties with Mary, leading to an emotional discussion.

Despite his intentions, Willie struggles to inform Mary about his decision to move on. He opts to wait outside her theater, hoping for a face-to-face conversation instead of relying on a letter or phone call.

Gathering his courage, Willie finally delivers the news of his proposal to Dorothy in person at Mary's home. This meeting is fraught with tension as old relationships are challenged and emotions flared.

Concerned about his daughter's future, Dorothy's father employs a detective agency to monitor Willie's activities. This decision leads to an orchestrated phone call between Dorothy and Mary, complicating Willie's emotional landscape.

The phone call arranged by Dorothy's father ultimately shatters Willie's heart. Finding himself in turmoil, he grapples with the consequences of his unfulfilled commitments and decisions.

In an act of defiance and independence, Willie rejects the £5,000 check offered by Dorothy. Instead, he chooses to send financial help to Grand Duke Paul, showcasing his character and values in the face of rejection.

Dorothy's feelings become complicated as she hears about Willie's generous act towards Grand Duke Paul. This mixture of delight and disappointment tests their relationship as they navigate the aftermath of their decisions.

Despite the challenges they faced, Willie and Dorothy manage to reconcile just before his departure to New Zealand. They reaffirm their bond, navigating through the emotional turmoil that surrounds them.

Willie prepares for his journey to New Zealand with hopes of starting a sheep farming venture. This represents a new chapter in his life as he seeks to find his place and destiny.

In a surprising twist, Mr. Hope, Dorothy's father, offers to secure a farm in England for Willie. This unexpected generosity delights Lord Leeland, who watches Willie's ventures with skepticism.