Roger and Luvesan have a quarrel over cards and arrange to fight a duel at dawn. In the duel Luvesan loses two fingers. Having been made an outcast by his brother officers he hates Roger for it and vows vengeance on him. Roger returns to Paris, where he meets Julia, an adventuress. He falls in love with her, and then Roger is called to the front. There his life is saved by one Lucien de Noirville. On their way to Paris, Roger is invited to Lucien's home and discovers that Julia is Lucien's wife. Out of duty to Lucien, Roger severs his friendship with Julia, who becomes resentful. Roger visits his uncle's country home and falls in love with Marie, the ward of his relation. Julia hears of the coming wedding of Roger and Marie and is furious. Seven years pass. Roger and Marie have a child, a girl of five. Roger is a devoted husband. Julia has made several attempts to win him back, but so far has failed. Roger is a banker. He holds a large sum in trust for a rich man, Gerbier.