Germain has been a widower for two years and his father-in-law Père Maurice wants him to go visit his friend Leonard, to visit Leonard's daughter, a rich widow who is looking to remarry. Germain does not really want to remarry, but his three children need a mother so he agrees to go for a visit. He leaves with his son, Pierre, and Mary, beautiful 16 year old girl who needs to find a job in town. They stop near the Devil's Pool and spend the night. Germain and Mary begin to fall in love with each other, but neither shows it. The next morning Germain goes to see the widow but leaves disappointed, while Mary escapes from her rough employer. They go back to the village and break communication, while the night they spent together near the Devil's Pool doesn't let go.

George Sand (1804-1876) is a pen name of Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, a French novelist, memoirist, and journalist. She was one of the most popular writers in Europe in her lifetime, being more renowned than both Victor Hugo and Honoré de Balzac. Sand is recognized as one of the most notable writers of the European Romantic era.