Act I

Scene 1
Cockcrow at the start of a new day. Lise, a rebellious girl, is in love with Colas, a young farm worker, but her mother, Madame Simone, has more ambitious plans. Sent about her chores, Lise keeps leaving them to look for Colas. At last she succeeds in meeting him. But Madame Simone is too watchful: she finds the lovers and sends Colas away. The shy and simple-minded Alain is brought by his wealthy father Thomas to meet Lise as the prospective husband her mother favors.

Scene 2
The harvesters finish their work and amuse themselves by dancing. Lise prefers to dance with Colas. One of the peasants plays flute. Alain tries to show his abilities too but in vain: everybody laughs at him. Suddenly, a violent thunderstorm scatters everybody.

Act II

At home Lise is again put to work. While her mother dozes she spears to Colas through a broken panel in the locked door. At last Colas smuggles himself inside with the harvesters, who come for their wages. After the harvesters are paid, she goes out, firmly locking the door on the frustrated Lise, neither of them aware that Colas has hidden himself inside. Thinking herself alone, Lise imagines the bliss of marriage and motherhood, and becomes deeply embarrassed when Colas emerges, have observed her feelings. They declare love and exchange their scarfs, but are interrupted by the mother’s return. Colas, looking in vain for a hiding place, takes refuge in a bedroom upstairs. Angry at Lise, her mother sends her to the same room to make herself ready for Alain and his father. They arrive with a marriage contract, which is signed before Lise is discovered in Colas’ arms. The marriage plans are abruptly ended. After begging the mother to forgive and bless them, she concedes.