The Hungarian Nabob (1915)

Count John Karpathy, of Hungary, known as the Nabob by reason of his lavish entertainments, is stricken while entertaining the peasantry on his estate. Word is sent to his nephew and sole heir, Count Bela Karpathy, who is living riotously in Paris. As Bela is at the end of his resources, the news of his uncle's expected demise is more than welcome. He starts for home. In a few days the Nabob recovers his health, to the great joy of all, and gives another feast in celebration. When the evening is on the wane, the whim seizes him to complete the feast at the inn. The innkeeper has long since retired, but is routed out, and the festivities begin. Bela's carriage breaks down near at hand, and he enters the inn. Meeting with the Nabob, whom he does not know, Bela explains his presence by showing the letter he received in Paris, and adds: "Thank Heaven the old fool is dead. I'll show them how to spend money." Thus insulted, the Nabob reveals his identity, and declares: "While the law won't let me disinherit you, you shall not get a penny while I live." Characteristically the Nabob commands that the inn, which is his property, be burned down, as it is contaminated by Bela's presence. In a neighboring town Bela is rejoined by his boon companions, who have struck up a flirtation with the notorious Meyer girls. The girls take him home and introduce him to their virtuous sister, Fanny. He seizes Fanny and kisses her against her will. The girls' father and their aunt Teresa intervene, and the old man asks Teresa to take his innocent child away from her sisters' influence. Then, in an apoplectic fit induced by excitement, he dies. The Nabob's birthday approaches, and in his loneliness, he extends to Bela forgiveness and an invitation. Bela replies that he cannot come, but adds: "May you soon find use for the gift I send you." In the presence of the guests the box is opened, and found to contain a coffin. Bela persecutes Fanny with his attentions, sending her a pearl necklace which she throws through the window. He follows her to church and hears her sing in the choir. Approaching Dame Kramm, the housekeeper, Bela remarks that Fanny's beautiful voice must be cultivated, and insists on paying for the lessons. When he refuses to take the money back, Aunt Teresa sends it to a newspaper, with the request that it be given to charity. The newspaper publishes the facts. The Nabob reads the story and, visiting Fanny, requests her to marry him, so that Bela's persecution may end. With her sisters' aid Bela entices Fanny to rooms where Matilda has pretended that she and Magda are living in poverty. As Bela is about to take her in his arms, Fanny calls, and the Nabob enters. "Let me introduce my husband," she says. For nonpayment of debts Bela is ostracized by his fellows. And he loses all hope of becoming the Nabob's heir, for Fanny presents her husband with a son, to the joy of Bela's enemies.