FOR years Maria (Andrea Ferreol) has been the faithful cook/housekeeper/domestic to a wealthy fertilizer dealer who lives outside Paris. When the old fellow dies, his nephew Jerome (Victor Lanoux), who used to play childhood games with Maria, returns to collect his legacy. Imagine his surprise when he learns that the legacy-the house, the Rolls-Royce, the fortune, everything-has been left to the servant. Maria, a maid who always wanted to be a lady, agrees that Jerome may stay on in the mansion on her terms, that is, if he becomes her servant.