Charles, a young man from the country, travels to Paris to take his exams in law. He shares a flat with his cousin, Paul, who is also taking exams, but who is a complete contrast to Charles. Whereas Charles is studious, respectful and honest, Charles is an extravagant pleasure-seeker, with far more time for drink and women than for studying. Charles falls in love with one of Paul's wide entourage of friends, a young woman called Florence. Whilst Florence feels that she ought to love Charles in return, Paul is determined to stop the relationship, for his cousin's best interest, and ends up winning Florence's affections for himself. Charles is devastated by the loss of his love and buries himself in his studies for his exams. However, Charles' fortunes do not improve and in the end he loses everything