In 1801, the composer Weyse's cousin, the cheerful Henriette Frisch, advised her cousin to take in some student boarders in the house, so that he would not have to provide so much musical information, but could have more time to compose. The result, however, was that Weyse had to take on even more students to feed the boarders, and it was particularly bad with the gifted student Kramer, whose wealthy uncle would not send any more money.

After his father's will stipulates he must marry Bella Wilfer to inherit his fortune, John Harmon fakes his death to avoid the marriage and the threats on his life. He returns as John Rokesmith and becomes the secretary for the Boffins, who inherit Harmon's estate following his alleged death.