Frere Beckwith, a missionary in Belgium, and his companion begin teaching Gerard and his sister Marie. Though living the gospel requires drastic life changes for Marie, she quickly embraces it and plans to be baptized. Knowing her character, Gerard is skeptical of her choice, but when he attends her baptism he recognizes it as a beautiful expression of belief. Soon afterward, however, he discovers that Marie is in love with Frere Beckwith and doesn't actually believe at all. He undertakes the task of warning both of them of the consequences that will follow if they continue on the path they're on. When Gerard is successful in convincing Frere Beckwith of Marie's true motivations, Frere Beckwith is deeply shaken.