In 19th century Paris, Bette Fischer, a poor and homely spinster, forms an alliance with the seductive courtesan Valerie Marneffe to orchestrate revenge on her handsome and wealthy relatives.
The Hulot family has risen to eminence under Napoleon I. The Baroness Hulot's cousin, Bette, is the only member of the family who has not shared in their good fortune.
Hector is faced with ruin and has been spirited away by Bette. However, Bette's plans have suffered' their first setback through the death of the Marshal just before she was to marry him.
