Djevojka iz Kalifornije

Mabel lives in a luxurious home, but feels that her father is hiding something from his past – he is a native German who left his homeland long ago. Mabel wonders about her father: why does he avoid talking about Germany, why does he never mention his family? She is a cheerful, proud, modern young woman, but deeply attached to her father. When her father dies (or falls ill), Mabel inherits the estate and decides to travel to Europe – partly out of curiosity, partly to investigate her father’s past.

On a trip through Europe (probably Germany or Austria) fate brings her together with an attractive, noble-born man – a baron or count (typical for Courths-Mahler: an aristocrat with financial problems or moral burdens). From the first moment they feel a strong attraction. He is captivated by her beauty, freshness and American immediacy; she by his elegance and depth.

However, the obstacles are not small: class differences (rich American woman vs. European nobleman), a secret from the past (her father may have left Germany due to shame, debt or misfortune), intrigues from envious relatives or rivals, misunderstandings and lies. Mabel faces the prejudices of the European aristocracy towards the "nouveau riche" from America.

Through suffering, sacrifice and the discovery of the truth (her father's sin turns out to be noble or forgiven), the lovers overcome the obstacles. The secret is solved, love triumphs, and Mabel finds happiness in marriage and a new homeland. The novel ends on an optimistic note: love erases borders, social differences and the past.