In 1840s Buenos Aires, Argentina, a beautiful young socialite named Camila falls in love with Ladislao, a Jesuit priest. After several failed attempts at fighting his own feelings, he ultimately succumbs to her. The two later escape to a far off, secluded village where they assume new identities as husband and wife and begin running a childrens school. After several months of relative happiness, the couples identity is discovered by a local priest. Under moralistic pressure from both Camilas family and the Catholic church the authorities apprehend the lovers, and imprison them for sacrilege.