Philémon, a wealthy dilettante, is going to do his military service in the provinces under the authority of a colonel friend of his father. Lucien, a lieutenant and Jeanne, the colonel's daughter, are secretly in love with each other; but the colonel plans for his daughter a marriage with Philemon. In the meantime, Folette de Saint-Pageot, a coquette, arrives in the village to claim money from the colonel, while also coveting that of Philémon. To protect himself, the colonel makes Folette pass for Lucien's fiancée. Out of spite, Jeanne decides to marry Philémon. They all find themselves in Folette's room, where they have a frank explanation which clarifies all their links. The lieutenant will marry Jeanne, and Folette will be maintained by Philémon.