Tito Melema arrives in Florence, a city under the influence of the Medicis, with nothing to his name but some valuable jewels. His fortune quickly changes as he sells these jewels, except for one ring, and gains access to the circles of wealthy and educated men. Among these influential figures is Bardo, a blind antiquarian whose life is devoted to his library and museum, and who relies on his beautiful daughter Romola to be his eyes.

Joining Bardo's Circle

Tito soon becomes an integral part of Bardo's world. The aged scholar, delighted to meet someone well-traveled, eagerly accepts Tito into his life. He shares with Tito the sorrow of losing a son, deepening their bond. Tito, meanwhile, contemplates the ethical dilemma posed by the money he has earned from selling the jewels, pondering whether it should be used to free his benefactor, Baldassare Calvo, who may be enslaved by the Turks.

Tito's Florence

As Tito further ingratiates himself with the intellectuals of Florence, he attends the festival of San Giovanni and is haunted by the gaze of a monk in the crowd. Simultaneously, Tito notices Tessa, a milk vendor's daughter he met upon his arrival. Later, Tito saves Tessa from rowdy revelers, cementing a connection with her.

Encounters and Discoveries

Upon leaving Tessa, Tito encounters the strange monk, Fra Luca, who delivers a desperate plea from Baldassare for rescue from slavery. Though Tito recognizes a familiarity in Fra Luca's features, his determination to maintain his newfound contentment in Florence leads him to ignore the request.

Romola's Affections

Tito spends increasing amounts of time with Romola, assisting her father's scholarly work. He takes the opportunity to confess his love to Romola, who reciprocates his feelings. Around the same time, Tito learns from Monna Brigida, a visitor to Bardo's house, that Bardo's son is alive but banished, and the monk Fra Luca is actually this son, Dino. Realizing the potential threat Dino poses to his secret about Baldassare, Tito swiftly asks for Bardo’s blessing to marry Romola, which is granted.

Betrayals and Secrets

Amidst these developments, Fra Luca falls ill, and Tito fears that Romola will learn the truth about Baldassare from her dying brother. To distract himself, Tito engages in a farcical marriage with Tessa, allowing her to believe it genuine while swearing her to secrecy. Fortunately for Tito, Dino passes away without divulging Tito’s betrayal, and Tito marries Romola.

Turbulence in Florence

Following Bardo's death, Romola takes up his scholarly endeavors. Amidst political unrest and the stirring sermons of Savonarola, Tito’s position is bolstered when he becomes an interpreter in negotiations with the French. However, during a parade, Tito is confronted by Baldassare, who has escaped captivity and recognizes Tito in the crowd.

Unraveling Alliances

Fearful of Baldassare’s retribution, Tito secretly sells Romola’s inheritance and tries to flee Florence. Despite his pleas, Romola soon discovers his actions, and in her disillusionment, she chooses to leave the city. Yet, she encounters Savonarola, who persuades her to fulfill her marital obligations and return to her husband.

The Return of Baldassare

Homeless and searching for refuge, Baldassare stumbles upon the household where Tessa and her children live. Tessa confides in him, inadvertently revealing Tito’s ongoing deception. When Tito arrives to visit Tessa, he attempts to reconcile with Baldassare, but his foster father’s rage erupts, though Tito’s protective armor saves him from harm.

Confrontations and Consequences

Baldassare’s public confrontation of Tito at a dinner gathering fails as he is dismissed as mad and imprisoned. Released during a plague, Baldassare uncovers Tito’s secrets and reveals them to Romola, who finally understands her husband's betrayals. Her...