This play deals with the theme of marriage. Using a series of misunderstandings, it explores the problems in understanding and the expectations surrounding matrimony, which are often defined by social and financial interests rather than honest feelings.

The humour originates mostly in misunderstandings; the characters are mistaken for other people, leading to absurd situations and ironical dialogues. For instance, a dance instructor, Monsieur Sylvestre, is mistaken for a rich aristocrat; despite himself, he becomes a serious candidate for marriage while the real count hides his identity and is met with no pomp.

The play was published in 1837, but Laure Bernard explained in the introduction of her book that she began writing for the puppet theatre in 1825.

Pauline, a noble but penniless young woman, is about to leave her friend Anastasie and the latter’s mother, Madame Samson, who accommodated her. Madame Samson informs Anastasie that an important visitor, the count de Morland, a rich man with a title, wants to buy their property. She specifies that he will arrive incognito. Anastasie, worried, fears that the count will covet Pauline. Her mother reassures her and says that her dowry of 300 000 francs is a lot more valuable than Pauline’s title of nobility.

Soon after, Monsieur Sylvestre, a dance instructor, arrives to give a lesson. Madame Samson mistakes him for the count de Morland and begins a serious conversation with him, which puzzles Monsieur Sylvestre; he is unaware of the misunderstanding. However, he begins to take Madame Samson’s flattering words seriously. When she sees this “so-called count” from the window, Pauline quickly realises that it is in fact her dance instructor.

At this moment, the real count de Morland arrives. Pauline welcomes him, and he explains that he met her mother in Paris and that she talked about selling the castle. As he is trying to negotiate discreetly, he chose not to reveal his identity—to avoid overpaying. Meanwhile, Monsieur Samson, puzzled by the odd behaviour of the so-called count, comments on his only talking – what is more, with great familiarity – about actors of the Opera.

The real count is still incognito and takes part in the conversation between Pauline and Monsieur Samson; he mentions having heard that Monsieur de Morland will soon marry the daughter of an old friend of his father. At the same time, Madame Samson reveals that she already knew the real identity of the anonymous visitor (without specifying his name). Monsieur Sylvestre, still lost, is surprised to learn that a wedding involving him is still planned.

Madame de Brennemur (Pauline’s mother) finally arrives and introduces her future son-in-law, the count de Morland, who wants to marry her daughter. Madame Samson introduces Monsieur Sylvestre as her future son-in-law too, also calling him “Monsieur de Morland”. At this moment, the truth comes out.

In the end, Madame Samson comes up with an arrangement: the count can buy the castle for a reasonable price, on condition that this over-the-top story remains a secret.