On Christmas Eve, Swiss minister Jean Martens takes in a blind, half-crippled orphan and brings her up among his own four children. But Gertrude grows into a woman and Jean gradually falls in love with her without admitting it to himself. On the contrary, he lulls his conscience by interpreting the Scriptures to his advantage. But neither his wife nor his oldest son are fooled. Following a long-delayed operation, Gertrude recovers her sight but she is not long to find out that sin has corrupted the soul of her benefactor.
Gertrude
Pastor John Martens
Amelia Martens - his wife
Jacques Martens - his son
Piette Casteran
Castéran
Charlotte Martens
Sister Claire
Pierre Martens
Mademoiselle de la Grange
the old peasant woman
a friend of Gertrude
Paul Martens
Gertrude as a child