 Poulet, apprentice to the butcher, reads an announcement requesting a toreador for a wealthy marriage, and decides to pass himself off as one. He dresses up as a bullfighter, and has business cards printed bearing the name José Bombino. After learning the basic principles of the noble art, he presents himself to the girl s father, who judges him suitable. Poulet-Bombino sings the praises of his bravery, until one day, he finds himself face to face in a café with the real José Bombino, a professional toreador.