The story is about a lieutenant, nicknamed "the Rooster of the Regiment", a married man, who just can't help running after any woman passing around, and one of his friend, who always has "good ideas" to give him a hand to come out of "ubuesque" situations.
Barnabé, an occasional flutist, goes to Mme Petit-Durand to organize her daughter's 20 years. But he is confused with the Count of Marengo whom Mme Petit-Durand wants to give as husband to her daughter, who has already made her choice.
