Summary Dorsenne, a cynical novelist, who finds the corruptness of modern Roman society a fascinating human study, is especially interested in the notorious Countess Steno, who unknown to her married lover, the Polish Count Gorka, is commencing an intrigue with Maitland, an American painter. Maitland's Chapson, endeavors to shield him, but Gorka discovers the intrigue through an anonymous letter written by the painter's vindictive Creole wife, and a duel with Chapson, and afterwards with Dorsenne, is the result. But meanwhile, Countess Steno's innocent daughter, Alba, whom Dorsenne has long admired, receives an anonymous letter denouncing her mother, but she refuses to believe these statements until Maitland's wife cruelly plans for the horrified girl to witness ocular proofs. Alba is so overcome by the knowledge of her mother's guilt, that she visits the marshes with the object of contracting fever, and eventually dies. Realizing, too late, how deeply he loved Alba, Dorsenne leaves Rome forever. View more details

• Drama