Tonet lives an intense love story with Neleta, whom he has known since childhood, but the young man will be forced to leave the Albufera of Valencia and serve in the war in Cuba.
During Tonet absence, Neleta accepts the proposal and marries the rich innkeeper Canyamel. She does not feel any love for Canyamel but instead she carries a good standard of life.
Tonet returns from the War of Cuba war to his small town. Soon he finds his feelings for Neleta are still the same. Tonet and Neleta cannot avoid their adulterous relationship, provoking the talk of the people of the village.