Fragon's lieutenant, a young officer without fortune, overwhelmed by debt, resigned himself to contracting a very rich marriage. But the haste with which the fiancé is pressed raises certain suspicions in the young man's mind. Married, an invisible barrier seems to separate the groom from his wife Gilberte.

Later, he learned "the hidden reason" that required the early conclusion of their union. Gilberte, in good faith, believed her husband was aware of her painful adventure. This one leaves, desperate. Will reconciliation be possible?