The young Suzanne Simonin is forced by her parents to become a nun. She learns that as an illegitimate child, she is supposed to atone for her mother’s sin. Her abbess treats her nicely but when she dies and another takes her place, Suzanne considers breaking her vows. Due to the maltreatment she undergoes, she is thrown into a world of punishment. It is not until a friend gives Suzanne some hope that she may not have to remain a nun forever that Suzanne's punishment does ease up.