Set in France during the perennial turmoil the novel follows the main character Caroline, very endearing and honest orphan girl through the many twists and turns of the story. As it happens, beautiful Caroline catches the eye of two French aristocrats. Full of pride and honesty, Caroline is willing to sacrifice her honor for the pure and sincere love of the man she loves. The novel provides an intense and realistic picture of eighteenth century France caught in disorder and full of scenarios on the edge of the sublime.