ACT I

Valcour is hopelessly in love with his close friend Léontine, a wealthy young widow. He believes she will never reciprocate his feelings, since her late husband betrayed her, and the experience soured her on the idea of romantic love. To protect his secret, Valcour tells Léontine that he, too, has no interest in romance. For the past four years, he has contented himself with sending her various gifts and love notes anonymously. With a village wedding approaching, Valcour’s most recent gift to Léontine is a bouquet of flowers and a letter. The message tells her that if she chooses to carry the bouquet to the wedding, it will mean that she accepts the Anonymous Lover’s affections; if she does not, then the secret admirer will take it as a sign to leave her in peace.

Valcour and his friend, Ophémon, discuss the bouquet he sent to Léontine. Ophémon urges Valcour to express his affections openly, believing that Léontine is likely to return them. Valcour is less certain, however, and he remains hesitant to reveal his true feelings to her. Elsewhere, Léontine and her friend Dorothée are arguing about the bouquet. Dorothée thinks Léontine should accept the gesture. Torn, Léontine turns to Valcour for his opinion, saying that while she does not want to hurt her devoted admirer by rejecting him, she doesn’t want to lead him on, either. She decides to carry the bouquet at the wedding.

During the ceremony, Jeannette and Colin — the bride and groom — sing a duet in praise of love. The joyous atmosphere is infectious. A little later, Léontine contemplates how joyless her previous arranged marriage was and how Valcour’s friendship has been a constant support and comfort in her life.

As the festivities begin inside Léontine’s villa, Léontine, Valcour, Dorothée, and Ophémon linger in the garden, discussing who Léontine’s secret admirer might be. Valcour suggests that he could be hiding nearby at this very moment. As a joke, he hides behind a tree and jumps out, declaring himself the Anonymous Lover, to the general amusement of the group. However, during his over-the-top declaration, he and Léontine share a moment of true understanding that gives them pause. Léontine is overwhelmed, and Valcour and Ophémon try to persuade her that it was all in good fun. But her heart remains troubled.

ACT II

Léontine tries to convince herself that she isn’t in love and doesn’t want to be in love, but she cannot talk herself out of her deep affection for Valcour. The matter of her anonymous admirer makes her even more conflicted. She wants to confide in Valcour, but fears that he wouldn’t understand her muddled feelings. She wishes for either the courage to commit to love, or for her feelings to fade so she doesn’t have to grapple with them.

Valcour, encouraged by Ophémon, has decided that he is ready to tell Léontine the truth, but he wants to be sure not to hurt her or frighten her off. Ophémon goes to Léontine and tells her that he has spoken to the “Anonymous One.” Once he is convinced that she wants to learn her admirer’s identity, he tells her that the Anonymous One loves her desperately, is willing to risk her rejection, and wants to meet her that very evening. Léontine hesitantly agrees to the meeting, and her reluctance convinces Ophémon that although she is intrigued by her admirer, she is really in love with Valcour.

As she nervously anticipates the arrival of her anonymous lover, Léontine finally admits to herself that her heart is full of passion, a feeling she never expected to experience. Valcour arrives, expressing his concern for her and offering his support as her dear friend. Léontine tries to get him to leave, as she doesn’t want her friend and her admirer crossing paths at this crucial juncture. Valcour finally summons the courage to reveal his true feelings. Léontine immediately reciprocates, but now worries that the “Anonymous One” will interrupt them. Valcour quickly clears up the misunderstanding and confesses that he has been her anonymous lover all along.

Jeannette and Colin’s wedding celebrations have overtaken Léontine’s villa. In the meantime, Ophémon and Dorothée have been eavesdropping on the lovers. All is revealed, much to everyone’s joy. Léontine and Valcour decide to wed at that very moment, making it a double wedding, and everyone sings and dances the night away.