Complicated intrigues fester in the warmth of Segnac, a charming village on the Cô te d'Azur. The hô teliers' daughter, Violaine, has only a few months to live and loves Blaise d'Orliac, who is closely watched by his mistress Michèle. Old O'Hara is platonically in love with Violaine and encourages Blaise's meetings with the young girl. Michèle interferes. Blaise kills her. O'Hara believes Violaine is guilty and wants to accuse himself. Violaine, on the verge of death, exonerates Blaise. M. Dautrand, who was playing the part of a holiday painter but is really a police officer, decides after reading the girl's diary to leave Blaise in peace. Violaine dies happily.

Dans le village de Segnac quelques personnages pittoresques se côtoient. Gabriel Dautrand un peintre en vacances , O’Hara un vieux capitaine , Blaise d’Orliac un écrivain auteur de romans policiers . Violaine la fille des hôteliers est gravement malade et condamnée .