Abandoned children, left to their own devices and a life of danger, are adopted by a kind man.
Little boy
Anika is the most beautiful girl of her clan and has for pretenders the gypsy Sandor and the rich Féry. When Féry is assassinated, Sandor is accused of the murder. Anika, with the help of a fortune teller decides to find out what happened.
Sergeant Jacques Destranges randomly finds a little friend from the summer. She runs an inn where the company finds good wine and songs. Jacques makes plans for the future with her while his companions relive their peacetime memories.
Jeanne supports supports his family on his modest salary. Her boss is arrested for fraud. Jeanne is forced, out of poverty, in the street.
The first schemer, short of money, offers himself at a high price to facilitate the fantasies of the other, by playing the role of substitute. The second is an unscrupulous banker who sows ruin and grief but who is soon ruined and fooled in turn.