Amedee Violette is a young boy living in difficult circumstances. His mother died at a young age. His father, hard as he tried, could not take care of him alone. Amedee is given to tutors and schoolmasters. All the while, the young Maria (who lives next door) has been a constant in his life. As they grow older, Amedee realizes that he's falling in love with her. But alas, he is not without competitors. Maria has become a beautiful young lady and Amedee must contend with gentlemen of wealth and stature.
François Coppée was a French poet and dramatist. He won critical acclaim from his one act play Le Passant -- juvenile Sarah Bernhardt starred in it, and the role made her famous overnight.