Jeanne’s father dies when she is three, and her mother marries a rich but cruel man who verbally abuses Jeanne. The family lives a pretentious life, and Jeanne longs for truth. Jeanne’s stepfather dies after she graduates but the inheritance goes to his first wife. Jeanne falls in love with Ed, whose mother doesn’t like her. They marry, and he becomes a policeman. After five years and the birth of their daughter, Ed is killed on duty. A week later Jeanne’s mother dies. Jeanne’s babysitter, Gloria, is a Christian whose compassion carries her through the suffering. The first part ends with Jeanne’s desire to die.