A French washerwoman becomes a duchess and a friend of Napoleon.

Mr. de Sergeac surprised his wife in company of a friend and killed her. 15 years later, his daughter Simone, still ignorant of the drama, is engaged to be married with Michel Mignier. The family of the groom learns about it and eventually, so does Simone. Mr. de Sergeac, ashamed of the scandal, decides to go away, but the two lovers talk him into staying with them.