Following the conclusion of World War I, the widower Renier moved back to his estate in Horlebecq. His only source of entertainment is the letter writing he does with Rolande, a Parisian whom he became acquainted with during the war. Renier continues to be captivated with Rolande, even going so far as to pay her a visit in Paris despite the fact that his family is trying to get him to marry Emily, his brother's wife. She is successful in convincing him to make significant financial investments in the "Academie de Beauté" located in Paris. Because of his careless investments and the fact that he broke off his engagement with Emily, the tensions at Horlebecq became intolerable...