In Old California

Before Mexican independence reached California in 1822, Perdita marries Pedro, a village troubadour, instead of Manuella, a wealthy Spaniard who steps aside upon learning her choice. Twenty years later, Pedro is an alcoholic who spends her wages. Their 19-year-old son drinks and steals. Perdita writes to Manuella, now Governor, asking him to take the boy into the military. The boy is enlisted but is later caught robbing fellow soldiers. As Manuella reads a thank-you letter from Perdita, he chooses to discipline the boy privately. Later, Perdita writes again. She is dying and asks to see her son, believing he has become an honorable soldier. Manuella dresses him in medals for the visit. After her death, the medals are removed and the boy is imprisoned.