In France, a romantic young woman named Germaine is shocked and disheartened to discover that, for financial reasons, her parents have arranged a marriage for her with Lucien D'Artois, a wealthy man of rough manners who loves his horses and dogs more than evening clothes. Germaine makes her distaste known to her new husband, and Lucien goes to Paris to make himself over. Before Lucien can return to Germaine, however, she writes him a letter saying they can never be happy together. Lucien becomes despondent and dissipates his entire fortune in reckless living. André Delandal ingratiates himself with Germaine and leads her to falsely believe that Lucien has been unfaithful. Germaine goes to Paris to ask Lucien for her freedom, then discovers that he has become a polished gentleman. She belatedly declares her love for Lucien.