Trama

A stern old woman, who owns the largest factory in a small town and has ruled both the factory and the town with an iron hand, finds herself battling with the wife of her nephew, the man she has picked to succeed her.

Kenyon Ruyland, the son of a wealthy family of New England industrialists, marries Frederika and thereby incurs the wrath of his Aunt Augusta, the elderly and iron-willed head of the Ruyland clan. Aunt Augusta does everything possible to break the spirit of Frederika and finally divides her from Kenyon by making him suspect her of infidelity. Norval Ruyland, a deaf-mute who has fallen in love with Frederika, commits suicide when he is ridiculed for sending Frederika a box of roses. Norval's will leaves his stock to Frederika, giving her and Kenyon together a controlling interest in Ruyland Industries. Frederika attempts to give the stock to Aunt Augusta, but the old woman refuses to accept it and mounts her carriage, lashing her horses in a blind fury. At the risk of her own life, Frederika saves Aunt Augusta's life and finally wins her love and admiration. Frederika and Kenyon are reunited.—AFI