In this short historical novel, Barbara, a very young lady of noble birth, falls in love with a matchlessly handsome young man of noble character but of comparatively obscure descent. In a rush of passion, they marry clandestinely, but only to discover that they are not able to manage financially without the support of Barbara's parents. The old pair are willing enough to provide the means of subsistence for the young couple but on one condition: the young husband should spend one year for education with a special tutor travelling in Europe. Then, a fatal accident changes Barbara's life for ever …