Since her mother’s death and father’s abandonment, the young girl María has lived with her
cousin Efrain and his family. She is protected and adored by Efrain, the family’s eldest son. At
the age of 11, Efrain is sent away to school. He returns six years later and declares his love to
her. But Efrain’s father plans to send Efrain to medical school in London and marry off Maria
to Efrain’s friend Carlos. María becomes ill, suffers a series of epileptic attacks, and refuses to
marry Carlos.

Efraín declares his eternal love and promises to marry María upon his return from medical
school. From abroad he maintains communication with her through constant love letters until
being informed that her illness has grown worse. He is asked to return home immediately. He
spends weeks on board the ship crossing the Atlantic and days on horseback, not knowing if he
will find her alive at his journey’s end.