The Truth About Youth

Carewe has raised Dane since childhood and intends a surprise party for Dane's 21st birthday. He also reinforces the idea that Dane should marry Phyllis to secure the family alliance. The day, May 19, arrives with preparations that set the stage for hidden loyalties and expectations.

Dane disappears from the planned celebration and heads to a nightclub to see his new girlfriend, Kara, who performs as The Firefly. He spends the night in the club rather than attending his own party. Kara's charm and willingness to marry him introduce a dangerous potential to the Carewe-Dane dynamic.

Dane returns home in the early hours, drunk, and drops a note from Kara on his way to his room. The next day, the housekeeper finds the note and shows it to Phyllis. The note's appearance triggers questions about fidelity and motive within the household.

Phyllis shows the note to Carewe, who pretends it is his own because it is addressed to 'Richard'. This fabrication fuels Phyllis's distress, since she loves Carewe. Dane, confronted with the note's implications, grows furious and resolves to elope with Kara.

Dane confronts reality and elopes with Kara, believing wealth will follow or simply chasing a desperate romance. Kara agrees to marry him, unaware of his true financial situation. The impulsive union sets the stage for tragedy and further deception.

After their wedding, Kara discovers that Dane is not wealthy and rejects the marriage outright. She tells him she never wants to see him again, leaving Dane to face the consequences of a miscalculated union. Dane returns home, heartbroken and isolated.

Unaware of Kara's recent marriage, Carewe offers her five thousand dollars to pretend to be his lover in public. The plan aims to salvage his reputation and maintain appearances in front of guests and the household staff. Kara's willingness introduces a transactional layer to the relationships.

Phyllis goes to the nightclub and witnesses Kara's obvious attentions to Carewe, nearly tears up in front of the scene. She leaves the club in distress, sensing the emotional betrayal that has surged around her. The moment deepens the conflict and tests her resolve.

Dane returns home later and confesses everything to Phyllis, admitting the truth about Kara's marriage and his own role in the deception. His confession marks a turning point as loyalty and truth begin to unravel the web of lies. Phyllis listens and processes the betrayal.

Realizing the full truth, Phyllis confesses her love for Carewe when he returns. Her declaration shifts the emotional center of the story toward the man she has always cared for, despite the chaos around them. Carewe's response begins to redefine their relationship.

Moved by Phyllis's confession, Carewe admits his own love for her. Their mutual honesty breaks the mist of deception and sets the stage for a new connection. They share a quiet moment that promises a different future.

Phyllis and Carewe embrace, confirming their mutual love and forgiveness. The tangled misunderstandings are resolved as they choose to pursue a future together. The film closes with a sense of reconciliation and renewed family bonds.