Araminte is a wealthy young widow. Over a matter of land, she is in conflict with Count Dorimont, whom her mother would like her to marry. In need of a steward, she hires Dorante, a handsome young man without a fortune, whose secret ambition is to win the young woman's heart and hand. It's Dubois, Dorante's former valet, now Araminte's, who, by manipulating all the household staff, hatches a plot based on true, false and mixed confidences, designed to lure Araminte into Dorante's arms. Dorante eventually confesses to Araminte, who forgives him and marries him.

En France, au XVIIIe siècle. Dorante, un jeune homme désargenté, est amoureux d'Araminte, une riche veuve. Grâce à de fausses confidences, Araminte tombe peu à peu amoureuse de Dorante.