On a park bench, one gossip tells another the story of a young man who has just passed by. His mother Helena was a beautiful and talented singing student years ago. She was platonically loved by her classmate Vilém, the son of a shoelace merchant. After the conservatory graduation party, Helena was seduced by the frivolous Martin. The next day, he left for Paris and did not report back. The girl was horrified to discover that she was pregnant. Therefore, she welcomed the saving offer of marriage from the faithful Vilém...