It has been adapted several times, most notably in a 1944 Gainsborough Pictures film of the same name starring Phyllis Calvert, and a 1981 four-part BBC television series with Chloe Salaman in the title role.

It begins with her describing her childhood in London during the 1860s with her mother and stepfather, who ran a tavern called "The Happy Warrior" in Panton Street, off Leicester Square.

At this point the narrative moves to the first person of Harry Somerford (although we later realise this is merely a device Warbeck has decided to use in the re-telling of Fanny's story).

Switching back to Fanny as narrator, the couple enjoy a holiday in France, where they stumble upon the idyllic setting of Les Yvelines.

Croyez-vous que j'ai soif d'une parole sublime lorsque je sens qu'une âme me regarde dans l'âme?