Paris. Nineteenth century. Therese, a young girl who, from childhood, was forced to live in the house of her wayward and harsh aunt. Her sick and frail cousin Camille grew up with her. The atmosphere of melancholy and depression made the girl indifferent and submissive. When the children became adults, the aunt married them, although they did not sympathize with each other at all. However, when Therese meets her husband’s friend Laurent, hitherto unknown feelings begin to awaken in her. Soon she surrenders to them and a passionate romance begins between young people. But not everything is so simple - between the lovers is the legal spouse of Teresa…