The backdrop is fifteenth century France, and Charles, Duke of Burgundy has promised his daughter, Princess Mary, that she can marry the man she loves, Prince Maximilian of Styria. But when the Swiss threaten war, the duke is compelled to take back his word and he arranges for Mary to wed the half-witted dauphin of France's King Louis XI .

It is Mrs. Merwin's desire that her son, Harold, marry Rena, an heiress. To this end, she gives a week-end party in the heiress's honor. Harold, of a studious nature, finds himself unable to stand the chatter of the guests and strikes out towards the woods. Attracted by the music, Lorna approaches the mansion.

Compelled to keep house for her father and her younger sister and brother, Martha is deprived of all the pleasures of youth. Ned, who loves her, begs her to elope with him. Martha yields, but while on the way to the minister, decides that her duty lies back home with her father. Heart-broken, Ned leaves for the city.