In a small fishing village at the turn of the century, sober everyday life is ruled by women because with the exception of an old-aged pensioner, the men stay at sea +!+ and do not always return from their dangerous work. Protagonist is the young woman Camille, who has to look after her bad-tempered, jealous and tyrannical blind father. One day an uncle of hers, Mr Corneille, moves into the house next door. He expects the rapid return of his lost son Antoine. Corneille sketches to Camille a mythical picture of the son who has kept him waiting so long. Camille falls in love with the idealisation of the unknown man who, when he eventually turns up, is very different from her dreams.
