Bernard Mauprat was raised by lawless brigands and knows no other way of life until age 17. Then everything changes for him when his cousin Edmee is taken hostage in the castle where he lives. After helping her escape, he goes to live with his uncle and is offered the opportunity of an education. He has fallen hopelessly in love with Edmee, but his brutishness makes her hold him out at arm's length. Can the positive influence of Bernard’s new home environment overcome the moral turpitude of his upbringing? How will he respond when his past comes back to haunt him? And can he clear his name after being accused of a heinous crime? (Summary by Scarbo)