Aarne marries Martta because his mother tells him it is his duty as the eldest son to marry a wealthy girl. However, the attractive school teacher Ilona arrives in the village and causes complications when Aarne falls in love with her.
Poor but ambitious country girl Hulda arrives in the country's capital and gets a job as a maid for a bachelor Member of Parliament, Judge Soratie. She works hard, never loses her common sense, and starts taking evening classes. Keeping her studies secret from her employer for years, she eventually graduates from the university and becomes candidate in the parliamentary election, stressing women's and working people's rights. Romance with Judge Soratie finally ensues.
Raili moves away from her mean aunts. The young woman enjoys her independent life, but debt, a deceitful boyfriend, and getting fired from her office job get her into trouble. However, Raili's uncle Salomoni and his wife Salli support their relative. Olli, a lawyer, also wants to help Raili, who has fallen victim to blackmail.
