An elderly head of the family, unlike his family—wife, daughters, future son-in-law, and servants—horrifies Carnaval, forming a humorous contrast. But, in need of money, he finds himself forced to accept the demands of an old Luzitano, who will only lend him money if he joins his group and joins the revelry.

Returning from a pleasant horseback ride, two lovers on their way home contemplate each other, entranced by the modesty inherent in the rigid customs they were raised in. The hero feels an irrepressible desire to come to Rio. In the capital, interested in a theater star, he heads to Buenos Aires to win her heart.