Madame Rose runs a seedy hotel in a suburb of Paris. Strong-minded but without the least moral scruple, she once killed her husband whose honesty was a hindrance to her business. Under a suspended sentence, she now indulges in smuggling. One day, Victor, one of her former accomplices hounded by the police, finds sanctuary with her. During a drinking spree, he has the bad idea to entrust to her a suitcase filled with bank notes, a loot with which Victor hopes to rebuild his life in South America. But Rose, lured by temptation, betrays Victor, who is arrested by the police. However, he manages to escape with only one thing in mind, to take revenge on Rose...

Thérèse, who has come from the city, has married the sad Louis Raboux, a violent peasant who dies under unclear circumstances. Thérèse stays at the farm with Célestin, who loves her, but dares not say it out of shyness. The arrival of Pierre, who knew Louis and has something to hide, complicates the situation. Célestin's jealousy, which the maid Julia tries to console. Thérèse and Pierre's passionate love. The police arrest the young man and Célestin chases Thérèse, who falls from the roof. Célestin throws the body into an abyss, only to see Pierre reappear. In a rage, he too rushes into the ravine, from which Thérèse emerges, a new miracle-worker, ready to throw herself into the arms of her lover.