Pascal is an adolescent slowly becoming like his cool, passionless father.  M. Brouet, the father, a Parisian magistrate, has the rare ability to fall asleep and wake-up at will during court hearings yet never miss a beat. M. and Mme Brouet met in May 1968 at a riot, though they have turned out more mainstream than revolutionary.  While he reads three newspapers a day and maintains an intentionally neutral political outlook, she eschews all controversy in favor of the leisurely study of art history.

Four years ago, the Brouets hosted a visit from Mme. Brouet’s younger brother, Dédé. The “broomstick” tall young man is quick to smile, slow to learn and prone to starting occasional indoor fires.  His future as a civil servant depended on his passing a correspondence course, and although the outcome of his pending exam was far from certain, he declared that he had graduated and would like to return home to his mother.  M. Brouet would like nothing better than for Dédé to leave, but Mme. Brouet was convinced that she can help her bumbling brother by setting him up with an eligible young woman. 

The ensuing luncheon turned out to be a dull affair since the potential romantic interest has been sent to Greece on a work errand.  Her parents and another couple were awkward guests who pestered the placid magistrate for insider political perspective, which he was loath to give. Despite the new maid failing the Brouet’s etiquette expectations, the party proceeded smoothly. The vapid conversation was interrupted once when a swarm of wasps entered but didn’t sting, thanks to Dédé’s quick action in removing the luring dish of melon slices, and again when the mere mention of a hypodermic needle sent one of the guests into a near panic attack.    

Four years later, Pascal - now grown very tall himself - wonders why his family is out of touch with Uncle Dédé. His parents will undoubtedly have different feelings about it if he should turn out to resemble his uncle.