Plot

Louis Racine has inherited great wealth and married famed singer Madelinette, whom he passionately loves. But Louis carries a pair of secrets: his wealth may be taken from him if a contradictory will is found, and his health is deteriorating from a disease which will slowly turn him into a grotesquely deformed figure. Terrified that the truth will come out, Louis dares anything to prevent the loss of his riches and true love... even if it means he must kill the man who might be the rightful inheritor.—Jim Beaver <[email protected]>

In French Canada, singer Madelinette Lejeunesse marries Louis Racine, descendant of a noble French family. During the celebration, word arrives that the Signeur (feudal landlord) of Pontiac, estranged relative of Racine, has died in Paris. The Signeur left no will, but directed that 50,000 francs be paid to Madelinette for her operatic debut. Tardiff, a former servant of the Signeur and enemy of Racine, spreads a rumor that a will is hidden somewhere. This precipitates a fight between Racine and Tardiff, in which Racine is injured when he is thrown against a tree. Racine then begins to hide signs of a malady shared by his ancestors - turning into a hunchback.

Madelinette prepares to leave for her debut in Paris. George Fournel, an Englishman, possesses a letter indicating the Signeur intended to leave his estate to him. He takes the letter to Racine, intending to search the Frenchman's home. Racine tells his wife she must go to Paris alone, as he must remain and defend his rights against Fournel. While his wife is gone, the growth on Racine's back gets worse. When Madelinette returns, she is horrified to see her husband's condition, but decides to give up her career and devote her life to him. One evening in their library, she discovers the will hidden behind a picture frame. The next morning Tardiff approaches her and pleads with her to be taken into her husband's employ. He also threatens that someday the will may be found. Madelinette secretly inspects the will to see if Tardiff's name is mentioned. While doing so, she realizes someone is watching her through the window. That night, Tardiff steals the will, and leaves a note for Madelinette, telling her he is taking the will to Fournel. Madelinette goes to Fournel and tells him the will would destroy all that her husband has to live for. Fournel, filled with compassion, burns the will. Tardiff comes to Racine and tells him that his wife has been alone with Fournel. In a rage, Racine kills Tardiff. When he questions his wife, she assures him of her fidelity.

The authorities and Fournel arrive, knowing that Tardiff had planned to go to Racine's home. Racine declares that he will not be taken, and locks himself in a closet. All hear a gunshot, and Racine's suffering is ended. Two years later, Madelinette is a famous singer. She gets a message from Fournel in her dressing room, asking her to be his wife. She accepts and finds happiness.