Karl Escher, the son of a prominent banker, was accused of embezzlement and forgery at the bank and went to prison for three years. After his release, he seeks revenge against his brother Franz, whom he believes to be the real culprit.

In the mid-1800s, twelve year old Hélène manages to flee from an isolated patriarchal community in Luxembourg. Years later, she returns in disguise, determined to seek revenge on the family that killed her parents.