Paris, 60s of the last century. Paul Feval, a master of the adventure novel, assigns the main role in his book to the young circus performer Saladena - a cunning, inventive, unscrupulous and intelligent man who strived to succeed in life at all costs. Without a twinge of conscience, he condemns the beautiful Lily and her lover to many years of suffering Count Justin de Vibres. The Little Queen, their little daughter, kidnapped by Saladen, becomes the subject of his speculation. The fatal unbridled passion of the Duke de Chaves, the tender love of Justine and Hector de Sabran, intrigues, conspiracies, secrets and crimes determine the fate of the heroes. The author develops the intricacies of the plots in a fascinating manner, presenting his characters against the social and historical background of France in the post-revolutionary era.