Content Warning: The source text and this section of the guide contain references to death by suicide and sexual assault.

The novel begins in France, shortly after the end of the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1713). Count D’elmont and his younger brother, the Chevalier Brillan, have both fought in the war. D’elmont returns to Paris, but Chevalier Brillan stays in the town of St. Omer to recover from injuries. Count D’elmont quickly becomes popular due to “the beauty of his person, the gaiety of his air, and the unequalled charms of his conversation” (37). A wealthy and beautiful heiress named Alovisa falls in love with D’elmont. Alovisa is frustrated that D’elmont doesn’t seem to take any special notice of her, especially since she is used to being admired.

The night before a ball, Alovisa sends an anonymous note to D’elmont, urging him to be on the lookout for a woman showing signs of love for him. At the party, D’elmont encounters a beautiful young woman named Amena Sanseverin. He wonders if she might be the woman who sent the note, and singles her out for flirtation and gallantry. Alovisa catches sight of D’elmont and Amena together and is so overcome with jealousy that she has to leave the party.