Jeanne Bécu is a romantic woman working in a hat shop in Normandy. She falls for penniless poet Réne, after being pursued by Count Dubarry. In a fit of happiness she flings a rose from a bouquet given to her by Réne, and it lands in the carriage of The King, who is passing at the time, the King notices Jeanne and is captivated, but carries on.
Time passes and the love between Réne and Jeanne begins to tire, and Count Dubarry again tries to court Jeanne. He is successful, though Jeanne soon realises his true nature and regrets her choice.
At a party, The King recognises Jeanne and invites Count Dubarry to Versailles knowing Jeanne will accompany him. Ignoring advice on how to behave in front of the King, Jeanne treats him as a human being and he is further captivated, and she to him.
The story ends in the triumph of Jeanne, still the honest, lively girl of the hat shop, with the whole of her dangerous and difficult future ahead of her.