Set against the background of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870, Anna, born in Rhineland, falls in love with her French cousin who she follows to Paris on the eve of the outbreak of war. When he is killed by her compatriots she finds herself in besieged Paris, destitute, alone – and a German. Thrown into prison, she escapes by marrying a middle-aged restaurateur for whom she has no feeling.  Events take Anna to England in her search for true love and happiness.