When the abusive Leon Bourzat is murdered, suspicion falls on his wife and daughter. Emilie has worshipped her husband for years and been treated as a drudge in return. When she is accused of her murder, her refusal to justify her action seems strange, particularly as she will think of her husband as an "angel."

Dazzled by the daughter of a long-time friend, an otherwise prudent man is swept off his feet and into court for murder.