Great Britain

Ambitious but naive, Barry is determined to gain a higher place in life. His adventures begin when he flees from the law after a duel fought over a faithless love. He enlists in the British Army but deserts after his first battle. He is captured by the Prussians and forced into their service. As he sees more of the ways of the world, he is introduced into the most glittering and splendid society in Europe, first as a police-spy, and then as a card-sharper, where his success with the fair sex, and his skill and readiness with sword and pistol are his most striking assets. At last, having dispelled all the romantic notions of love with which he started life, he to consolidate his fortunes by marriage to the Countess of Lyndon, a woman of great beauty and vast riches. Though this brings him a son and considerable wealth, it leads to his ruin.