The most beautiful and sought-after courtesan in all of Paris, Marguerite Guatier's life is filled with expensive parties and rich, powerful men. Then she meets Armand Duval, young, handsome, headstrong--middle class. The two fall hopelessly in love. Armand's modest means cannot support Marguerite, however, and his family suffers, forcing the lovers to choose between the reputation of the Duval family or a scorned life together. Before their passionate affair is over, one love must give up everything.