I Want to Forget

Prior to the declaration of World War I, dancer Varda Deering was a member of the Austrian secret service, but she later became a loyal United States citizen. In America, she captivates many men but cares for none until she meets Lieutenant John Long. At first, he regards Varda as little more than a social butterfly, but gradually recognizes her goodness and falls in love with her. While John is away on a war-related diplomatic mission, Varda agrees to aid the U.S. Secret Service in procuring classified documents from August Von Grossman, an agent whom she had known in Austria. Von Grossman threatens to reveal Varda's past unless she accepts his lecherous attentions, and she pretends to accept his terms as she secures information for her adopted country. When John finds Varda in the German's arms, he dismisses her as unfaithful, but she later helps him to penetrate the German spy headquarters. As they escape with the secret papers, the car carrying their pursuers is hit by an express train. Varda explains everything to John, who proves most understanding.