After World War I, Renier Joskin de Lamarache returns to his estate in Horlebecq where he lives with his mother, his ex-sister-in-law Emily, his grandfather and his handicapped son. But the only thing that can cheer him up is his correspondence with Rolande who nursed him in hospital during the war. When Rolande's marriage is officially annulled, Renier breaks of his engagement to Emily. Breaking of his engagement, together with the large amount of money he has invested in Rolande's 'Beauty Academy', makes the situation at Horlebecq intolerable.Based on the work of Herman Teirlinck