Julia is in love with Don Carlos, the Governor of
Cadiz. The couple have secretly exchanged private vows of love, but Julia's father then coerces her into marrying Don Francisco, an old Englishman who now lives in Spain. Francisco proves to be a jealous and oppressive husband. After they are taken prisoner by supposed
corsairs, the terrified Francisco relinquishes Julia to their captor, a 'Turkish Sultan'. The Sultan is actually Carlos in disguise, and he and Julia are able to consummate their relationship. Their trick is discovered once Julia's father arrives at the villa. Carlos announces to the group that he and Julia did not commit
adultery, because their private vows meant that they were already married in the eyes of God. Francisco is therefore obliged to release Julia from their marriage. In a sub-plot, Francisco's haughty daughter Isabella is supposed to marry Antonio (a friend of Carlos). She is introduced to Guiliom, a chimney-sweep who is masquerading as a nobleman (the 'false count' of the title). Antonio is then free to marry Clara (Julia's sister), with whom he is actually in love. == Reception ==