At the eve of Crimean war orphaned Regina lives with her grandmother in a small cabin near a lavish villa. As the summer approaches there is great anticipation of a big ball to be held.

Merchant Iivari encounters significant challenges in his entrepreneurial career when Merthen, a commercial counselor, attempts to prevent his success. Merthen's daughter Verna falls in love with the honest Iivari, who is not acceptable as a son-in-law to the Merthen family.