On New Year's Eve 1899, Soledad is peddling violets in a Madrid busy street when she meets aristocrat Fernando. The couple falls in love but their different social backgrounds threatens the relationship. Fernando is under constant pressure from his older brother Alfonso who reminds him of his duties including his engagement to Magdalena, a countess. Disregarding all social conventions and scandalizing high society, Fernando sets up Soledad in a plush apartment and announces their marriage plans.

Nancy, a gambler's wife, holds elegance to disguise their poverty. While she waits, dreaming of a wealthy man to appear and save her from that situation, she talks to an old beggar at the door of a casino. Soon after, a mysterious man offers her a life of luxury.