During the Napoleonic era, in Spain, a young postulant called Teresa falls in love with handsome British captain Michael Stuart, who is recovering with others of his regiment after being wounded. Before leaving, Michael asks Teresa to leave the convent and marry him. Devoted to the statue of the Virgin Mary, Teresa asks for a heavenly sign, but leaves when nothing happens. Then the statue of the Virgin descends from its pedestal and takes Teresa's place, as the young woman joins a gypsy caravan believing Michael has been killed.