Emmy, the colonel's daughter, visits the army post. The Hussar officers are all contemplating the question of whom Emmy is going to bestow her favours on. So far Pálóczy had the best chances, but now Korponay László, troubled by his indebtedness and his love-affair with an actress, sets his eyes on her. Emmy, however, dislikes Korponay's stereotypical phrases of courting as well as his unsettled relationship with the actress. The lieutenant, sobering down, is even willing to renounce his rank for Emmy, and her heart eventually goes to him.