A teacher at a religious college, Abbé de Pradts has summoned Serge Souplier, one of his pupils, to his office. He reproaches him for being too friendly with André Servais, an older pupil from another class. Souplier is neither particularly bright nor disciplined, and it's thanks to the Abbé, who takes a keen interest in him, that he hasn't been expelled. He accordingly promises to make an effort to correct himself and leaves the office. A few minutes later comes Servais, for whom the Abbé is far less indulgent.—Guy Bellinger