Irmeli worships the memory of her deceased composer father, but falls in love with her mother Ruuti's new fiancé, Dr. Hallamaa. Unhappy love depresses Irmeli, and she tries to run away to Sweden. Antti, an engineering student who lives as a tenant in the family's home, sets off after Irmeli to bring her back home.

Sixth-year student Eva Martenová falls in love with the new young professor Jiří Hron. She cannot concentrate in his lessons, even though she is as well prepared as ever for teaching. On a school trip, Professor Bruncvíková tries to win Hron over, but the professor dances with Eva at a party. At school, Eva's thoughts are elsewhere again and she refuses to give Bruncvíková Hron's portrait. She goes to Hron's office crying and he tries to calm her down. His friendly gesture is seen by Professor Bernard, who had previously had reservations about Hron's modern teaching methods. He informs the principal that Hron was holding student Martenová in his arms. When Eva learns that Hron is facing disciplinary proceedings because of her, she attempts suicide. However, her friend Martina's brother, Dr. Pavel Haler, saves her. In the hospital, Eva is visited by a vindicated Hron and confesses his love for her.