The Millionaire's Hundred Dollar Bill

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To back up his contention that human nature in general is selfish and dishonest, Ralph Brewster, a millionaire clubman, cynically wagers a dinner with John Preston, the District Attorney and a fellow member, that he can prove it. Brewster encloses a $100 bill in an envelope with the inscription, "Will finder please put this bill to some good use." He and Preston then go to a public park where they drop the envelope on the ground. Strolling through the park and pondering upon the bitter fact that her father is unable to afford a new gown for her coming week-end visit, Helen Wynfort finds the envelope. Upon discovering its contents, she is delighted and hastens at once to the modiste's where she orders a new dress. Brewster and Preston, hidden nearby, follow her, and with a sardonic laugh, the millionaire tells his friend. "You owe me a dinner." During Helen's stay at the modiste's, Milly, a shop assistant, faints, and on learning that hunger is the cause of the trouble, Helen takes the girl into a nearby tea room and orders a repast. She gives Milly a two-dollar bill. Brewster and Preston, happening into the tea room, see the incident and think it is the 100-dollar bill. Ralph pleasantly surprised, agrees that the District Attorney has won the bet. Afterwards, Helen feels she has been selfish with Milly, so early in the morning she goes to the girl's tenement home, just in time to proffer the big bill to the landlord and prevent eviction. The family's gratitude is almost overwhelming, but Helen leaves as soon as possible and rescinds the order for the gown. She attends the weekend party in her everyday clothes, and there meets Brewster. They are mutually attracted and Helen tells him the story of the $100 bill confessing that she did not at first give the $100 bill to Milly. Appreciating her splendid character, the millionaire proposes, and upon her acceptance, he begs that she be married in the $100 gown she had unselfishly denied herself. She cannot deny his request.