After leaving Nafplio, the first capital of the newly founded Greek Nation, the affluent French Duchess of Plaisance and ardent philhellene, Sophie de Marbois-Lebrun, moves to Athens with her young daughter, Eliza, circa 1834.

A young and pretty girl, Violeta, is in love with a kind young artist, Alekos. The feelings are mutual, but the two young people have to face a severe old maid, aunt Pinelopi.