The Broken Boot by John Galsworthy. Short summary

5 seconds

An under-aged actor struggles to get a job. He goes to breakfast with a patron he knows. He is sure that the actor is doing fine. Suddenly the philanthropist notices his torn shoe. He is embarrassed and leaves.

1 minute

Actor Gilbert Keister, after six months of unsuccessfully looking for work, got a part in a play. The job doesn’t pay much, but he is happy to be back on stage.

The actor meets patron Bryce-Green, who invites the actor to breakfast. He orders a sumptuous meal and takes an enthusiastic interest in Keister’s affairs. The patron has no idea how hard life was for the actor, who had no earnings and was starving.

Suddenly he freezes when he sees Keister’s tattered shoe. The patron is embarrassed, realizing how the artist is really doing. Bryce-Green says he has a date, pays and leaves.

Keister remains at the table. Two ladies enter the room where he is sitting. They recognize the actor.

Keister is pleased by this attention. He walks toward the exit. The actor tries to walk so that the ladies do not notice his torn shoe.