Percy Ashfield is to marry Mary Bowman but her father objects. He objects because while the Bowmans and Percy and others with vested interest are all assembled in Ashfield's castle admiring the pearls that are to be Mary's wedding present, a girl rushes in carrying a baby and claiming the Percy is the baby's father, and her claims are supported by a doctor who follows her in adding that the girl is mentally deranged over Percy's faithfulness. Or lack of. All present, among the original who gathered are surprised, shocked and a tad dismayed, especially Percy who has never seen the girl before. While they are all discussing the events of the past few moments, Percy notices that the girl, the doctor and Mary's pearls are no longer in attendance. Odd, thinks he.