The son of a wealthy landowner, Miklós Pálfalvy, who leads a frivolous life, becomes involved in forging bills of exchange. The forged paper falls into the hands of his future father-in-law, banker Mihályi, who blackmails the young man. Miklós breaks up with Mihályi and decides to go abroad with the rest of his money. Before he leaves, he visits Jessy, a beautiful florist girl with whom he has been attracted for some time. After a nice day together, Nicholas is arrested and sent to prison. In despair, he attempts suicide, but later, when he starts working in the prison blacksmith's shop on the advice of the chaplain, the welcome fatigue of hard work and the sober philosophy of the blacksmith heal his soul. After his release, he breaks with his social class, works as a blacksmith and marries Jessy, who has been faithfully waiting for him.