Countess Hedvig von Wärnfelt (born Wärnfelt), receives her orphan's granddaughter Marianne to educate her in tukt and her reverence. Marianne is an iron and vibrant young girl, who also carries theater grills. The Countess is staggered over her uneducated facials and treats her severely, hard and joyless.
Olof Koskela, the only son is driven from home when he wants to marry the wrong girl. He takes a job as a floater. His reputation as a womanizer goes far and wide. When he meets the proud Kyllikki, he enters into a bet to defeat the mighty rapids standing on a log.
Brand is an alcoholic bricklayer who is forced to scabbing during bad times.
