Dr. Vogler's, a nineteenth-century traveling mesmerist and peddler of potions, magic is put to the test in Stockholm by the cruel, eminently rational royal medical adviser Dr. Vergérus.
Married couple have romantic interludes in the summer, she at their summer cottage, him in the apartment in town.
Sixteen year old Maria arrives in Stockholm. She is going to stay with her aunt. Already at the Central station events occur that change her route.
