Arthur Burdon, a young English surgeon, decides to take care of Margaret Dauncey after her parents' death. At seventeen years of age, Margaret goes to Parisian school where she studies art. One day, Arthur pays her a visit. On his first night in Paris, Arthur is taken to a local bar by Margaret and her friend, Susie Boyd. It is during this time that Arthur meets Oliver Haddo, a self-proclaimed magician. Haddo starts telling a series of magical stories to the amazement of Arthur. Margaret's beauty attracts everyone including Haddo. However, Margaret has resisted Haddo’s advances.
Arthur has a mentor called Dr. Porhoet who at some point worked in Egypt. Whenever Haddo starts talking about magical stories, Dr. Porhoet supports him. Haddo is cunning and tricky. When he meets Margaret in the street, he loses consciousness and collapses. Margaret is forced to take him into her house. Haddo uses every kind of trick to fascinate Margaret. Finally, Margaret falls for Haddo and the two get married. Shortly after getting married, the two flee Paris and leave a message to inform their friends. Arthur is hit hard by the news of Margaret getting married to Haddo.
The marriage between Haddo and Margaret is rocked by drama. Haddo keeps on threatening Margaret. Indeed, Margaret confesses to Arthur that her life is in danger. Arthur sneaks Margaret away from Haddo. However, in the end, she goes back to her estranged husband. The reunion between Haddo and Margaret culminates in a demise. Arthur and his friends are devastated by Margaret’s death and confronts Haddo. The fight ensues between Arthur and Haddo. Arthur kills Haddo but when Susie lights a candle there is no evidence of a dead body. Arthur, Susie, and Dr. Porhoet visit Haddo’s home only to find glass tubes in which the magician attempted to create human-like creatures.
