After refusing his uncle's proposals to become clergyman, young William Crimsworth seeks work as a tradesman and becomes a clerk to his rich brother Edward. Edward, being jealous of William's education and intelligence, treats him terribly, so William leaves the position and gains a new job at an all-boys boarding school in Belgium. Soon, William's merits as a professor reach the ears of the headmistress of the neighboring girls school. Mlle. Reuter offers him a position at her school, which he accepts. Initially captivated by Mlle. Reuter, William begins to entertain ideas of falling in love with her.

After refusing his uncle's proposals to become clergyman, young William Crimsworth seeks work as a tradesman and becomes a clerk to his rich brother Edward. Edward, being jealous of William's education and intelligence, treats him terribly, so William leaves the position and gains a new job at an all-boys boarding school in Belgium. Soon, William's merits as a professor reach the ears of the headmistress of the neighboring girls school. Mlle. Reuter offers him a position at her school, which he accepts. Initially captivated by Mlle. Reuter, William begins to entertain ideas of falling in love with her.