Even though Elisabet's mother has remarried with the friendly dr Bärn it's impossible to cure Elisabet of her depression because she had to give away a child she gave birth to out of wedlock. Her mother and step father are the only people who know about the circumstances and they are keen to keep it secret so there is no scandal against the family.

The young widow Marianne Renfelt, ruler of Svaleholm estate, is celebrating her 25th birthday with a big party. At the party three of her suitors appear: landowner Wadenhjelm, Major Crusenschöld, and priest Neander. One person that the hostess is missing at the party is the person she likes most, her childhood friend, the disgraced lieutenant Bernt Boo.

Jonas goes with a tremendous speed with his horse over a country road in Hälsingland. Because of this speed Birgit Ljusnar, who is along the road picking blueberries, falls. Jonas stops and helps her up. He gives Birgit two Swedish crowns for the pain and the suffering. Furthermore, he promises her a job on the farm.

Mr Markurell the innkeeper has great aspirations for his son and he doesn't hesitate to pull a few strings to ensure his son's success at school, causing great scandal in the process.

The hunter Olaf Ruud sits by his sick wife Anna and remembers the old times.

Gustav lives in Värnamo. He constructs a new boat engine, but needs time to complete it. The work has been financed by factory director "Hatt-Johan" Johansson who would like to sell the invention. Gustav's father returns from the United States and everyone thinks he's become a millionaire.

Daniel has been forced by his father to become a priest. After graduating, he comes to a parish in Hälsingland. During one stormy night, he seduces a young girl, Karin, and rapes her. Filled with regret, he runs out into the dark night and is struck by lightning. He loses his memory and is taken to a distant hospital to recover. Meanwhile Karin gets pregnant and has a child. Eventually Daniel comes back and when he meets Karin his memory returns.

The famous lawyer Juhani Leno lives in a gloomy castle far into the dark forests. As a son of a fool and an anonymous gentleman he had a bleak upbringing. Ever since then, all he is doing is relegated to the humanity that treated him so patronizing. His whole soul is obscured by a furious hatred.

A man goes from the tough life as a hired worker all the way into the Swedish government.