The Bohemian Girl plot
Arlene is the daughter of Count Arnheim, governor of an Austrian province, who lives in luxury near a forest, where a gypsy queen and her tribe camp, with her lieutenant, Devilshoof. By chance, he stumbles upon Thaddeus, a young Polish refugee who is being chased by Austrian soldiers. Devilshoof offers him protection and disguises him with a gypsy robe. Arlene escapes from the castle and is rescued from a bear by Thaddeus, who takes her back to her father with Devil's Hoof. It is during a banquet that Thaddeus refuses to propose a toast to the Austrian emperor. Thaddeus is cast out in disgrace and Devilshoof vows revenge.