Noel is a bachelor and it is sure easy to see the reason why: an over possessive mother; he once met a girl, Gilberte ,but he threw it all away ...He inherits a matrimonial agency;after contemplating selling it ,he chooses to manage it,because his clients urge to do so.

He feels sympathy for these lonely people whose bashfulness keeps them from finding happiness.

He sees again Gilberte ,now a divorcee , who blames him for being always submissive to his mother's wishes .