Prince Zilah is a celebrated war veteran of Hungary. He and his father fought in many battles to free Hungary from oppression. But since those battles and the death of his father, Prince Zilah has lived a life without passion. From day to day, he eats and sleeps, surviving -- but survival is not the same as living. Then, one day, Baronness Dinati introduces Prince Zilah to Marsa Laszlo, a mysterious young woman whom he falls in love with, intending to marry. But during the celebration of the upcoming marriage, Marsa speaks to one of Prince Zilah's friends -- Michel Menko -- and something in the brusqueness of their interaction leaves Zilah suspicious.
Jules Claretie was a French literary figure and director of the Théâtre Français. He was also a member of the Académie Française.