Traveling from the Latin Quarter of Paris to Brittany to seek inspiration for his painting, artist Paul Dachette finds it in the person of Mignon, an orphan who consents to pose for him. They fall in love, and when he leaves with his portrait completed, Paul gives her a ring and promises that he will always be true to her. Back in the Latin Quarter, Paul forgets Mignon and becomes enmeshed in the wild life that he had left behind. One day, Mignon reads a report of Paul's injury in an accident and, lacking the necessary funds to travel, walks all the way to Paris, collapsing on the doorstep of M. Blanc, the baker, who gives her shelter. Seeking Paul at his studio, Mignon finds him in the arm of models Mimi and Fifi. About to cast herself in the river in despair, Mignon is saved by François Gautier, the famous painter, who takes her home and treats her as a daughter. Upon Gautier's death, Mignon becomes a wealthy heiress and Paul, learning of her good fortune, goes to the Gautier mansion begging to see her. Mignon renounces their love and Paul despondently wanders through a blinding rainstorm. The next morning Paul is found near death. Paul's friends send for Mignon and at his bedside, she forgives him and agrees to marry him.