Resigning himself to the autumn of his life, the Duke prepares to seek a wife from three of his former mistresses, selected by his son, following the tradition of Paris by offering an apple to the chosen one.However when a radiant young girl, Perpetua arrives. The Duke snatches the apple and offers it to her, but she draws on a pistol and shatters it. Her father the agent wishes her to marry the Duke,but the latter resigns himself to marrying the mistress who really loves him.