In the only visit which you made her at Belleville, where was the tomb of her husband, and now, alas! her own, you more than once seemed surprised with what you saw. You were struck with an old, white-haired man, who sat next her at table, whose appearance and manners were coarse, even for his class. You saw him speak familiarly with the daughter of the countess, who, beautiful as her mother had been, answered him with kindness, and even with deference, giving him the name of godfather, which, indeed, was the relation he bore to her. Perhaps you have not forgotten a flower, dried and colourless, in a rich case; and, also, that when you asked her concerning it, a saddened look stole over the countenance of the widow, and your questions remained unanswered. This answer you now have before you...FROM THE BOOK.

Charles Veramont, Count de Charney, is imprisoned for treason and becomes obsessed with the fate of a plant, which he calls La Picciola, growing in the exercise yard. He finally emerges from prison with his beloved plant and a wife, the daughter of his gaoler.