Araminte is a wealthy young widow. Over a matter of land, she is in conflict with Count Dorimont, whom her mother would like her to marry. In need of a steward, she hires Dorante, a handsome young man without a fortune, whose secret ambition is to win the young woman's heart and hand. It's Dubois, Dorante's former valet, now Araminte's, who, by manipulating all the household staff, hatches a plot based on true, false and mixed confidences, designed to lure Araminte into Dorante's arms. Dorante eventually confesses to Araminte, who forgives him and marries him.