At the eve of Crimean war orphaned Regina lives with her grandmother in a small cabin near a lavish villa. As the summer approaches there is great anticipation of a big ball to be held.
Katariina, an orphaned girl from the north, travels to Helsinki to live with her distant relative Mauri, who has been appointed her guardian. The unpretentious child of nature irritates, amuses, and charms Mauri, who is accustomed to high society, and his bachelor friends.
Old Virtanen is a respected night watchman at a textile factory and a single father to his daughter Aino, who is about to graduate from high school. The heartless factory owner Kuusela fires Virtanen, who is forced to look for a new job. When Aino, who is in love with the manager's son Veikko, disappears after her graduation party, her father, who has fallen ill with worry, is overcome with despair.
