One day, Etienne, a christian writer, picks up a young hitchhiker. The gloomy young man, reluctant to tell about himself, puzzles him. Etienne thinks he is miserable and immediately feels like helping him. Also, the boy's physique does not leave him unmoved. To try and get him on the right path, Etienne invites Rudy to stay at his country house. The young man agrees and is kindly welcomed by Valentine, Etienne's wife. But, restless as he is, he can't put up with home peace very long. He runs away.