Clara, daughter of Count Vittorio Grandi, is raised in the countryside by the farmers of the San Leonardo estate, far from her father who blames her for the loss of his wife and who wants nothing to do with a female child.
Clara decides to run away with her childhood friend Matteo, but on the night designated for the escape a tragic accident prevents Matteo from showing up for the appointment. Count Guido Fossà takes care of making Clara smile again.