The constant smile of the eternally amiable Jacques Perdrot often complicates his life. Appointed chief of police at Castel-Boudin, he takes up his new post accompanied by his maid and his godmother, who watches over his virtue, and by the Widow Gibard, who is determined to marry him. At Castel-Boudin, his smile has great effect, provoking distaste and misunderstandings.
In order to take part in a "tournoi des dames", Narcisse Leblond persuades his wife that he is going to look after his sick godmother at Beaucaire. Naturally, the godmother in question arrives at the house a few minutes after his departure...
