In the mid-nineteeth century, Felix Young, a bohemian artist, and his sister, Baroness Eugenia Munster, travel from Europe to visit the Wentworths, their prosperous American relatives, who live in a quiet New England village on the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts. Eugenia’s husband, a German prince, wants to dissolve their marriage, so Eugenia has come to America with a hidden agenda, to find another rich spouse. Felix and Eugenia’s puritanical uncle, Mr. William Wentworth, permits the siblings to stay in an adjacent house on the property, but is suspicious of their intentions and warns his two daughters, Gertrude and Charlotte, to be wary of foreign influence. However, Gertrude, who is more open-minded than her pious sister, admits that her exotic cousins already intrigue her. One day at the guest house, Felix paints Gertrude’s portrait, and the two cousins begin to realize their attraction to each other. Meanwhile, Eugenia cultivates the attention of Robert Acton, a wealthy unmarried businessman, who is related to the Wentworths. During an outing in Acton’s horse and carriage, Eugenia feigns modesty and claims that she came to New England seeking “natural” relationships, unlike the “artificial” ones in Europe. Later, at a party, Eugenia explains to Robert that her marriage, which occurred when she was very naïve, will be void as soon as she signs a divorce document and mails it to the prince. She asks Robert if he urges her to sign, but they are interrupted before he can answer. Elsewhere at the party, Felix and Gertrude continue to flirt. When Felix notices that Charlotte is attentive to Mr. Brand, a Unitarian minister, Gertrude sadly reveals that the family expects her, not Charlotte, to marry Mr. Brand. However, Gertrude is adamantly opposed to the arrangement. She agrees with Felix that they should try and maneuver Charlotte and Mr. Brand toward a union. Feeling like an outsider, Eugenia leaves the party, but not wanting to dissuade Robert, she declares that she will soon make a decision about the divorce. Later at the guest house, Felix suggests to his sister that she should encourage the attentions of Clifford, Mr. Wentworth’s college-age son, stating that the young heir will one day be the primary gentleman of the village. Eugenia is curious if Clifford could be a possible alternative to Mr. Acton. Meanwhile, as the sisters prepare for bed, Gertrude observes that Charlotte is clearly in love with Mr. Brand, but Charlotte is afraid to admit her true feelings. Later, Gertrude admits to Mr. Brand that she prefers the amusement of Felix, and points out that her devout sister is a better choice for him. While Robert is away from the village, Eugenia entertains Clifford at the guest house and in a flirtatious manner, attempts to gain his trust. Later in the evening, Eugenia is still trying to charm Clifford, without success, when she sees Robert approaching. She orders Clifford to hide in another room. As she and Robert visit in the parlor, he offers to take Eugenia to Niagara Falls, New York. Eugenia wants to know if the trip is the extent of his proposal, and Robert answers by asking Eugenia if she signed the document. Suddenly, Clifford barges into the room, and Eugenia quickly explains that Clifford came to see Felix’s sketches. After Clifford leaves, Eugenia tries to make Robert jealous by stating that Clifford was not there to view sketches, but has been attempting to woo her with romantic midnight visits. The next day, Robert speaks with Clifford and learns that the young man has no interest in the baroness. Consequently, Robert begins to have doubts about the crafty Eugenia and gives his younger sister, Lizzie, a glass ornament that he intended to present as a gift to Eugenia. Meanwhile, Felix tells his sister that he wants to marry Gertrude, who has been promised to Mr. Brand. Eugenia appears envious of her brother’s true affection. Boasting, she claims that Robert desires to marry her, but she cannot decide. Later, Felix asks to speak with Mr. Brand on a personal matter and reveals that Charlotte is in love with the clergyman. Next, Felix impatiently approaches Mr. Wentworth and asks for consent to marry Gertrude. Felix admits that he has no fortune, but as a travelling portrait artist, he can provide Gertrude with a comfortable life. With a change of heart, Mr. Brand arrives and recommends that Mr. Wentworth agree to the union. Although reluctant, Wentworth gives Felix permission. Meanwhile, Eugenia stops by Robert’s house to say goodbye before returning to Europe. Robert appears disappointed and asks her again if she signed the document. When she replies yes, he encourages her to stay, declaring that she is “admired” here. However, Eugenia does not think being admired is a good enough reason to stay and walks away. Later, as he rides his horse through the village alone, Robert observes three happy couples: Mr. Brand and Charlotte; Clifford and Lizzie; and Felix and Gertrude.