Witek runs after a train. Three variations follow on how such a seemingly banal incident could influence the rest of Witek's life.

A young landowner, Michal Rajecki, falls in love with a beautiful country girl, Warszulka, with reciprocity. During one of their trysts, Rajecki gives the girl hope for a future together. Eventually, however, he begins to realize that a misalliance would cost him too much. He follows his friend's advice and tells the girl to accept the proposal of the peasant who is trying to get her. When he begins to realize that he has made a mistake, it is too late.