While on vacation in Italy, Nick Morell, the son of renowned English philosopher and amateur musician John Morell and his wife Catherine, befriends a young boy named Guido. Nick discovers that Guido has a natural talent for orchestration and an extraordinary ability to remember music. A neighboring couple, Signor and Signora Boudini, become aware of the boy's talents and Signora Boudini appeals to Nick's parents to let her educate him musically. Despite their love for their son, Nick's parents feel that it is their duty to let the world hear his talent and they consent. Guido is tutored by Dr. Lorenzo, but Signora Bondini denies him all contact with his parents and others, and also prevents him from receiving or sending letters to his family. Guido becomes extremely successful and goes on a grand tour of Europe, while Signora Bondini revels in the acclaim she receives for discovering him. She plans to take him to America and also prepares adoption papers.