- Roger Kendall is sent to Nashville by the editor of his magazine to sign a contract for two cents a word with a woman writer named Azalea Adair. Once there, Kendall realizes that Azalea is very poor and is also the abused wife of Major Caswell, a drunkard who takes from Azalea every cent she earns. Kendall is able to piece their story together by following the movements of a torn dollar bill, which he gives to Azalea's former slave Caesar and which eventually winds up in Caswell's hands. In order to help Azalea, Kendall convinces his editor to increase her stipend to eight cents a word and also to advance her $30. At his hotel, Kendall meets Virginia Rodney, the semi-invalid daughter of a local judge and a good friend of Azalea. Later, Caesar, seeing Caswell violently take Azalea's advance from her, strangles the major. His part in the crime is covered up by Kendall and Virginia's father, however. Now free, Azalea goes to live with Virginia, who becomes engaged to Kendall.—Pamela Short
- Roger Kendall is not enthusiastic when the editor of his magazine sends him to Nashville to close a contract at two cents a word with Azalea Adair, a "coming" writer. The chief impression gained by the journey and arrival is made by a torn $1 bill which he gives to the negro who drives him to Miss Adair's home. The impression is accentuated when she later displays the bill in sending a maid to the store. Among his hotel acquaintances is Major Caswell, whom he dislikes but tolerates to the extent of drinking with him at the hotel bar, where the major again excites Kendall's interest by producing the torn bill. Kendall also meets Virginia Rodney, daughter of the judge, a close friend of Azalea, who is somewhat of an invalid, and the two are at once drawn toward each other. The real tragedy in Azalea's life is hidden from Kendall, that she is the wife of Major Caswell, who abuses her, taking by force every cent she can earn, even the money her father's slave, Caesar, can make running his dilapidated hack, and which he gives her. But the possession, first by Azalea and then by Caswell, of the torn bill he gives Caesar, creates a suspicion of the true state of affairs. A suitor for Virginia's hand, and at the same time consorting with Beulah, the owner of a "speakeasy," is Steve Bascomb. Virginia gives a party in Kendall's honor in course of which Steve proposes to her. Beulah, jealous, tries to stab him but Kendall interferes. Meantime, Kendall has induced his editor to pay Azalea eight cents a word instead of two, and he gives her $50 in cash to bind the contract. Caswell oversees the transaction, and in a struggle gets the money from her and goes to the "speakeasy'' with Steve. Caesar finds his mistress senseless on the floor, and going to the dive, chokes Caswell to death. Kendall and Virginia's father find the body but protect Caesar, and Azalea goes to live with Virginia, who is betrothed to Kendall.
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