The tale focuses on Jimmy Doyle, a wealthy college graduate from Dublin, participating in a car race in Dublin with three Europeans, including two Frenchmen, Ségouin and Rivere, and a Hungarian. Even though Jimmy's family is renowned for their wealth in Dublin, he admires the sophisticated Europeans rather than considering them equals. He is excited about being seen with them by his Irish friends.

After the race, Jimmy goes to Ségouin's hotel for a dinner, where he meets an English acquaintance of Segouin. They begin to discuss Irish politics, but their conversation is interrupted by the smooth and cultured host before it becomes too serious or leads to a fight.

Later, the group goes for a walk in the streets where they come across a wealthy American friend of Rivere named Farley. The group goes to Farley's yacht to drink heavily and play cards.

Jimmy plays late into the night and ended up losing a significant amount of money due to his drinking and lack of expertise in gambling. Despite this, he remained enamored by the sophisticated group's international charm. He knows he will regret his actions in the morning, but he remains in the haze of his drunkenness.