Georges is writing a series of novels, the main character of which is a former Sea-Captain eternally seeking a certain Jeanne. Is she his wife, Georges' dead wife, or simply a ghost? After nine volumes, the Captain, weary of wandering the oceans in quest of this woman who is never there -she's always one port ahead or behind- strikes his sail and enters directly into Georges' universe. He takes over his mind, his space, his life. At first, he appears and disappears in the writer's apartment with a motley and colourful collection of characters in tow. But in time, the Captain becomes the conscience, the alter-ego, the double of Georges and interferes in his real life. In reality, Georges life, apart from his imaginary world, is pretty dull. It is presided over by a bustling housekeeper, Maria, who staves off all intrusion. But Maria dreams of warmer climes and one day she wins a trip to the Caribbean, leaving Georges at the mercy of her niece Marie...