The landowner Fried von Barring marries the beautiful but extravagant Gerda von Eyff. Fried’s father, who was initially opposed to the marriage, seems to have softened his stance, until he is proven wrong. Without her husband’s knowledge, Gerda carries out costly renovations on the house, throws lavish parties, and seizes every opportunity to spend lavishly. Fried is forced to take out loans, and arguments between the couple become increasingly frequent, to the point where even a new pregnancy can no longer resolve their differences.