Elderly Spanish nobleman Don Julian is happily married to Teodora, a beautiful young girl, when his protégé, young poet Ernest, comes to live with them. Although Teodora entertains only motherly feelings towards Ernesto, vicious gossips spread false rumors of a love affair between the two young people. Don Alvarez, the most bitter slanderer of all, finally arouses Ernesto's rage and a duel is arranged. Don Julian, realizing that the youth is no match for one of the best swordsmen in Spain, forces the slanderer into a fight with him in which Don Alvarez is killed and Don Julian gravely wounded. Ernesto calls upon the dying Don Julian to convince him of his wife's innocence, but the husband, misled by his brother Severo, believes the youth has come to visit Teodora. Don Julian rises from his bed, denounces his wife, and dies, ironically driving Ernesto and Teodora from the house to face the world together.