Valentin, a hedonistic youth, is interested only in wine, gambling and women of easy virtue. His uncle Van Buck is by no means opposed to debauchery, but still wishes Valentin would settle down with the titled but penniless Cecile . Valentin proposes a curious wager: He will attempt to seduce Cecile in the grossest possible manner, and if he succeeds, she is unworthy of his affection -- but if he fails, she deserves the pledge of his love.
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