Young Edmond Durand Conrad Nagel has been reared under the autocratic influence of his aunt Marcia Manon who directs a large silk mill in southern France He revolts against a stifling career planned for him and leaves home with Marcelle a Gypsy girl Renée Adorée They roam the countryside with a Gypsy caravan in romantic bliss they are inadvertently separated but at the outbreak of war are reunited When peace is restored the lovers find happiness together