When Manella's uncle announced to the girl that he was going to give her in marriage to the elderly duke, she did not give in to despair for long. Having packed her things and taking her beloved dog and horse with her, Manella left in search of adventure. A lucky star led her to the estate of the Marquis of Bequindon, when they urgently needed a cook familiar with French cuisine. The girl pretended to be a simple Frenchwoman, and this soon helped save the life and honor of the young marquis. They became friends. But when friendship grew into love, Manella's lies almost cost her happiness.