The unfaithfulness of her husband, as well as the enormous amount of debts he left behind, are discovered by Francesca, an exceptionally attractive woman, after his death. Cesare is Francesca's best friend, and he also happens to be a solicitor. Francesca follows his counsel and begins selling all of her possessions, including her home, jewelry, furs, and, eventually, her yacht as well. She is able to exist for the remainder of the year as a result of her actions, but she has no prospects for the future, and every attempt she makes to find work ends in disappointment. Finally, she makes the decision to organize a lottery in which she will be the winner.