The Earl of Langdale tells his beautiful daughter, Zela, that, having gone to London on a visit, he has become involved with the Comtesse de Courché, who is one of the famous beauties of the London Season. She is much admired by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and many aristocrats. Because the Earl is having an affaire-de-coeur with the Comtesse, he trusts her when she tells him that she has made a great deal of money very quickly through a Ruler in the East, who wishes to sell personally some of the products of his country including oil.