In a Danish village in the early 1600s, a young woman named Anne, whose mother was thought to be a witch, develops sympathy toward an old woman, Marte, who is accused of witchcraft. The intervention of Anne's older but kindly husband, Pastor Absalon saved her mother -- but now, urged on by his overbearing mother, he refuses to help Marte. When Absalon's son returns home and is attracted to Anne, it's a matter of time before her family destiny catches up with her.

Lund is home to Qvillander and Schorn. There is also a gentleman who lives entirely in the world of books, Professor Möbius. The latter is dominated by his aunt, Miss Lundén, who manages the finances of the house.