The cynical and successful author of very popular pamphlets, James Bancroft, Viscount Medford, intends to rescue Duchess Catherine Townsend, accused of murdering her husband, from prison. In fact, he decided to use the scandalous story for his own purposes, and if he succeeded, to really help the lovely prisoner. However, the closer the Viscount gets to know the duchess, the more clearly he understands: he is the only one who can correct the fatal miscarriage of justice. Gradually, Medford's indifference is replaced by a burning interest in the red-haired beauty, and interest - by compassion and tenderness...