The Little Dutch Girl

The old gardener, attracted by the antics of the ducks, goes to the lake to find a basket with a baby in it. Six years later Little Dutch is sharing in the labors of her guardian, assisting him in the garden and trudging by his side to the city market. When she is fourteen, death takes her guardian. He leaves her a few coins, besides the house and garden, and there she lives, alone. Lionel, a famous painter, seeking a model for his "Marguerite," sees Little Dutch, and persuades her to pose for him. Jean, the woodman, becomes jealous of the attentions of Lionel. On the day the good Padre sets aside for the villagers to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine, Lionel invites Little Dutch to share a day's outing with him. After a drive they visit a hotel. From a secluded arbor where they are eating she sees the villagers enjoying themselves. At eventide they return to her home, where he bids her good-night. Her absolute innocence has conquered him. Lionel resolves to leave her in peace. He tells...