A virtuous young woman becomes the target of the schemes of an amoral womanizer who is in the habit of wooing women and killing their lovers and husbands in duels. When she finally succumbs to him, she discovers his true nature, and her newly awakened joy in passion turns to dust.

After 5 years of marriage, a relaxation occurs in the couple Jacques and Nicole. Jacques forgets that a woman in love needs tenderness and Nicole confides in her best friend.