A famous, ruthless writer takes a handsome young worker, with aspirations of becoming a tightrope artist, as his lover and protege, but suffers tragic consequences when he later discards him for another youth.

Michel Palmer—aka Mr. Loyal—wonders what kind of "madness" the artists of the new season will lead him into. After the Audaces, Vertiges, and other Défis performed by gifted circus artists, Mr. Loyal will see several participants take to the stage at the Cirque d'hiver-Bouglione: Glenn Folco, the Italian juggler; Régina Bouglione, the accomplished horsewoman, the Rolling Wheel duo, who perform on the German wheel, Matute, the Chilean clown, Cassie Audiffrin, the graceful bellboy, and the Trio Three G, high-flying acrobats.