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Les Petits translates colloquially as "Youngsters," a reference to pre-teen protagonists E. Roncier and C. Borrelli. Placed in a boarding school by his insensitive father, young Roncier forms a strong bond with female schoolmate Borelli. The kids' innocent relationship is unfortunately misinterpreted by a dirty-minded school supervisor. Returned to his father in disgrace, Roncier runs away, hoping to be reunited with Borelli, the only person in the world who truly cares for him. Finally, dad comes to his senses, blesses his son's platonic friendship, and promises to be a better father from here on in -- but only after agonizing over the possibility that the boy has accidentally drowned.