The well-behaved Prosper De Leeuw from Lier is a grocer and, in his spare time, a member of a choir called "Het Ruisende riet" (The Rustling Reeds). Both at meetings and rehearsals, he shows admirable dedication to the cause. The choir wins first prize in Antwerp. Everyone celebrates heartily in the café until Prosper breaks a valuable vase. He is thrown out and, without a penny in his pocket, he stumbles back to Lier. On top of that, he contracts severe pneumonia. The whole town is shocked because Prosper De Leeuw is suddenly on his deathbed. Prosper confesses everything to his wife.