Backbone (1923)

As has his family for generations, André de Mersay rules the little town of St. Croix, Maine, and its surrounding lumber interests. While thinking of his granddaughter, Yvonne, who is returning from France, André recalls the story of his namesake ancestor who, in the time of Louis XV of France, was cruelly separated from his sweetheart, Yvonne de Chausson, and exiled to America. When Yvonne arrives she is told by Anthony Bracken, de Mersay's business manager, that her grandfather is seriously ill and may see no one. The arrival of John Thorne and his efforts to open up a tract of lumber long intended to be worked by the de Mersays further infuriate Yvonne. After much conflict and danger to Yvonne and John, it is revealed that de Mersay died sometime ago; that Bracken and his partner, Doc Roper, were embezzling de Mersay funds; and that John Thorne is descended from Yvonne de Chausson. Yvonne and John are united, thus fulfilling a promise centuries old.