After living a rich and indulgent life in Paris, La Motte and his wife are forced to go into hiding to save themselves from creditors. On their way out of town, La Motte meets with strange men who threaten to kill him if he refuses to take Adeline with him. La Motte does as requested. His family and Adeline set up residence in an abandoned abbey owned by the Marquis. Ironically, during the first few weeks they live at the abbey, La Motte robs the Marquis, an action which leaves him doubly indebted to the Marquis. In exchange for clemency from his crimes, the Marquis wants La Motte to give him Adeline as his wife. La Motte agrees to this arrangement; however, Adeline is uncooperative.