The Conscience of John David

John David, a spender, promises marriage to the Worldly Woman. He suggests by letter that their engagement be announced at a big dinner he will give. The Worldly Woman is also admired by the Libertine, who calls at the Worldly Woman's apartment and is admitted by a Japanese butler whom he abuses, arousing a hatred which the Jap keeps well under control. The Libertine attempts to make love the Worldly Woman but she holds him off by flaunting David's offer of marriage in his face. When she leaves the room the libertine turns his attentions to a Japanese maid, the wife of Yamato, the Jap butler. His attempt to caress her frightens her and she screams, bringing Yamato into the room and between the two struggling people. The Libertine slaps Yamato across the face for what he terms insolence. The little Jap bows his way out but with suppressed anger in His heart. The night of the big dinner arrives and John announces his coming marriage. One of the suddenly discovers that there are but thirteen people at the table, and John leaves the party to go out and find the fourteenth. He chances to meet the Wanderer, an individual he once knew but who he does not recognize. John meets a pretty girl and grabs her by the arm and begs her to join his party. The Wanderer makes John let her go. John is furious but the soothing words of reproach of the Wanderer change his mind, whereupon he smilingly admits his wrong, gives him his hand and takes him to the banquet room. The newcomer is greeted with hilarity and is called upon to speak. After a toast he turns to John and quietly but forcibly berates him for his waste. He describes how this waste would give life to starving families and as he finishes a butler enters with a telegram which reads: "Cut expenses immediately. Your entire fortune swept away. Letter explains." The guests leave, and John is left alone with the Wanderer, and he asks the Wanderer's identity. The Wanderer answers: "I am your conscience." Thereafter the Wanderer is called Conscience. John and Conscience go to the home of the Worldly Woman, Conscience remaining at the door. John discovers her in the arms of the Libertine. She says that the Libertine is now her accepted lover. John attacks the Libertine and flinging him over a couch attempts to throttle him. From under the draperies of the couch a brown hand steals. It clutches a long needle which it plunges into the neck of the Libertine. The head of the Libertine falls back dead. John thinks he has strangl