In which a young wife, fraught with jealousy and sorrow over her husband's strange habits and infidelities, bravely seeks counsel from his elegant and enigmatic rival, discovering the harsh realities and cunning arts that govern the lives of society’s lofty beings. Amidst splendid salons and delicate intrigues, she confronts the bitter lessons of love and power, awakening to the formidable challenges of conquering a man of genius.