n Italy, Napoleon wages a brilliant campaign, while in Paris, his new wife, Josephine is bored. She meets Captain Charles and they become lovers. Napoleon, in Milan, sends for Josephine but she prefers to stay in Paris with Captain Charles. She tells Napoleon she is pregnant when he demands that she join him in Italy. However, the news of Josephine's pregnancy increases Napoleon's desire for a reunion and he is furious at the delay. Josephine, lover and all, makes the trip.

Returning to Paris after his successful Italian campaign, Napoleon leaves almost at once to take command of his army in Egypt. He promises to send for Josephine as soon as it is safe. Josephine continues her affair with Captain Charles until she realises he is only after her money. Napoleon hears of her infidelity and threatens to divorce her.