Thuringia, around the turn of the century: Eva Hermsdorf takes up a position as governess at the court of Count Rudolph von Plessen. A deep affection quickly develops between the two, but a secret makes their love impossible: Rudolph is said to have killed a friend of his former lover Liliane. But Eva suspects an intrigue behind this accusation and secretly travels to Leipzig as Liliane's servant to shed light on the matter. When she finds out the truth about Rudolph's alleged murder, she finds herself in mortal danger. Only Rudolph can save her from the hands of Liliane and her cruel husband Henri.