Angelique, a daughter of Sidonie Rougon, has been deserted by her mother, and adopted by a maker of ecclesiastical embroideries, who with his wife lives and works under the shadow of an ancient cathedral. Angelique grows to womanhood, and as she fashions the rich embroideries of the sacred vestments she has a vision of love and happiness. The vision is ultimately realized, but the realization proves too much for her frail strength. The vast cathedral with its solemn ritual dominates the book and colors the lives of its characters.