Bernard Profitendieu’s discovery of his illegitimate status shakes his world, prompting him to flee his home in a fit of rebellion. Seeking refuge with his friend Olivier Molinier, Bernard's journey intertwines with a series of complex relationships and personal revelations. Through these interactions, Bernard navigates the tangled web of social expectations and personal identity.

The Revelation

At seventeen, Bernard Profitendieu’s life is upended when he stumbles upon an old love letter revealing his mother’s secret affair, confirming his illegitimacy. In anger and hurt, he pens a bitter letter to the man he believed was his father and leaves home. That night, seeking comfort, he stays with his friend, Olivier Molinier, who shares stories of his incoming Uncle Édouard, a writer, and a mysterious woman entangled with his elder brother Vincent.

A Day of Encounters

Early the next morning, Bernard departs before Olivier wakes, wandering aimlessly until he decides to witness Olivier's reunion with Uncle Édouard. Meanwhile, Vincent visits Comte Robert de Passavant, conflicted by his affair with Laura Douviers, a former sanatorium acquaintance who pursued him to Paris. In a twist of fate, Édouard’s return is not only due to family ties but also a promise to Laura, who seeks his support amidst her turbulent life.

Unforeseen Connections

As Édouard arrives, an unnoticed Bernard observes the strained meeting between uncle and nephew from afar. He stumbles upon Édouard’s dropped checkroom ticket, claiming the bag and its contents: money, Édouard’s journal, and a plea-filled letter from Laura. Bernard, without a clear intention, approaches Laura, whose unease grows until Édouard arrives, and Bernard confesses his theft as an act to meet the famed writer.

Forging a New Path

Impressed by Bernard’s audaciousness, Édouard takes him on as a secretary. Soon after, Bernard accompanies Édouard and Laura to Switzerland, where he writes enthusiastically to Olivier about his new role, unknowingly fueling Olivier’s jealousy. Olivier, feeling replaced in Édouard's affections, accepts an editorial offer from de Passavant, marking the start of their professional relationship.

Affairs of the Heart

Throughout their journey, Bernard becomes enamored with Laura, only to be confronted by a letter from her husband, urging her to return home with their child and Vincent’s. Resigned to her duty, Laura decides to go back, prompting Bernard and Édouard to return to Paris. Meanwhile, Olivier writes to Bernard from Italy, describing his exciting editorial venture, though his words mask deeper feelings of resentment and betrayal.

Academic and Social Intrigues

In Paris, Bernard juggles his secretarial duties with studies at the Vedel School, living with Laura’s family. The Vedels, close friends of Édouard, include Rachel, whose devotion to running the school worries Édouard. Bernard learns of illicit activities involving school children, including Olivier’s brother George, who are circulating counterfeit coins.

Reunion and Revelations

Olivier returns to Paris, seeking Bernard, but their reunion is tense. Olivier invites Bernard and Édouard to a party hosted by de Passavant, where Olivier’s old friend, Armand Vedel, refuses participation, suggesting his sister Sarah attend instead. Later, Bernard escorts Sarah, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements during a night at the Vedel home.

A Night of Excess

The party turns chaotic, with Olivier's drunken outbursts forcing Édouard to intervene. Ashamed, Olivier pleads with Édouard to remove him from the situation. Bernard, meanwhile, shares a private night with Sarah, further complicating his situation among the Vedels.

Aftermath and Recovery

Bernard discovers Édouard tending to an unconscious Olivier, who attempted suicide following the party. Édouard’s care helps Olivier recover, though his mother expresses worries about George’s misconduct. Édouard pledges to speak with George while learning that Vincent has absconded with Lady Griffith, de Passavant’s...