Dining alone in an elegant Parisian brasserie, accountant Daniel Mercier can hardly believe his eyes when President Franois Mitterrand sits down to eat at the table next to him.Daniels thrill at being in such close proximity to the most powerful man in the land persists even after the presidential party has gone, which is when he discovers that Mitterrands black felt hat has been left behind.After a few moments soul-searching, Daniel decides to keep the hat as a souvenir of an extraordinary evening. Its a perfect fit, and as he leaves the restaurant Daniel begins to feel somehow different.