Donna Elvira, the beautiful daughter of an old Spanish family, is ambitions to marry a man of wealth, who will shower his countless riches upon her. With this selfish aim, she rejects the offer of marriage from Cesare, an honest young man of noble character, and gives her hand to Don Manuel, a wealthy, but overbearing Spaniard of middle age. Cesare’s heart is broken as he sees the bridal party departing from the church and he wanders into the country, that he may be alone with his sorrow. In his wanderings he stops to rest outside of an old mission. It is the hour of vespers and the monks pass by on their way to service. One of them, Father Alphonzo, discovers the dejected young man and endeavors to comfort him. He points out to Cesare the peace that follows prayer and faith. As a result the young man joins the mission. A few years later Donna Elvira, who married without love, awakes to the unhappiness of such a union. She accompanies a party, led by her husband, which passes through the grounds of the mission. Becoming fatigued she rests under the shadow of the old gate, while her people walk on. There she meets Cesare. Her old love is kindled and she endeavors to embrace the young monk. Elvira, having located Cesare, plans an intrigue to meet him without his knowledge. She prepares a note as if it were written by a poor countryman, asking that the father visit his sick wife. Elvira then hurries to the cottage and arranges with the woman, little knowing that one of her husband’s spies has followed her. Cesare is dumbfounded when he arrives and discovers the plot. The spy hastens to warn his master, who furiously rushes to the cottage. Drawing his sword, Don Manuel thrusts at the guiltless monk, but Donna Elvira steps between them and receives the blade.