The Devil to Pay

Willie returns from East Africa with little money, buys a dog, and relies on charm to survive social circles in England. He wins a Derby longshot, changing his fortunes and attracting both Dorothy’s interest and family scrutiny. He tries to act generously by helping Paul and ultimately sails to New Zealand to start a sheep farm.

Mary is Willie’s old girlfriend and a theatre star. She becomes part of Willie's past that complicates his new romance, as Dorothy’s schemes test his loyalties. Her presence hints at a former life that could disrupt his pursuit of a secure future.

Dorothy is an heiress who is drawn to Willie despite his bankruptcy. She demands he promise never to see Mary again, and later pays him £5,000, suspecting he merely sought her inheritance. She reconciles with Willie as they plan a life beyond her father’s control.

Lord Leeland is Willie’s wealthy father who disapproves of his son’s failures and offers money cautiously. He enjoys the idea that Dorothy’s inheritance could be at stake and is pleased when Mr. Hope’s wealth seems vulnerable.

Dorothy’s fiancé who is initially presented as a suitable match but is revealed to be destitute. He is left vulnerable by Dorothy’s pursuit of Willie’s fortune and later responds by sending a note of thanks to Dorothy.

Dorothy’s father who fears losing control of his daughter's marriage and hires detectives to watch Willie. He treats the romance as a financial contest and relishes the possible loss of Willie’s money to his own advantage.