The lively, capricious Petrina, having escaped from the boarding house that had disgusted her, unexpectedly meets with her guardian, Count Staverton. Contrary to her expectations, he turns out to be not a venerable gray-haired old man, but a brilliant young aristocrat, concerned only with frivolous love affairs. The arrogant, proud count is clearly burdened by the company of the impudent young lady - she prevents him from leading his usual riotous life and indulging in carnal pleasures with all his might. Touched by his indifference, the offended Petrina decides to fall in love with this attractive but unattainable man at all costs. The beauty makes a cunning plan...