Despite her father's knowledge of Felicitas' love for Enrique, he compels her to marry Don Martín De Álzaga, a man much older and wealthier than her.
In response, Enrique decides to enlist in the army and leave for the war against Paraguay, uncertain of the duration.
Devastated by her son's death and further compounded by the passing of Don Martín a year later, Felicitas, now 26 and affluent, finds herself courted by various suitors.
Among them is Samuel Sáenz Valiente, her estate's neighboring young man, whom she met during a stormy night when he offered help with her stalled cart.
In a tense moment, Enrique points his gun at Felicitas' neck without intending to harm her, commanding others to lower their weapons.