 When Comte Châtellerault fails to win the hand in marriage of Roxalanne de Lavedan, despite hinting at leniency for her rebellious family if she accepts, he responds to the notorious womanizer Marquis de Bardelys' mockery by wagering his estate against that of Bardelys that Bardelys cannot succeed in marrying Roxalanne either within three months.While Bardelys does not desire marriage, he feels he has to accept the challenge.However the king, on hearing of the wager, forbids Bardelys from seeking a marriage alliance with a rebel family.