The father of newborn Ruth dies in a freak accident outside the maternity hospital. The young mother is left to live with her deceased husband's parents. Soon the mother-in-law leaves home, gripped by suspicions and jealousy. After her, the daughter-in-law also leaves. Grandfather and granddaughter remain. He is ill-tempered and gloomy, she is charming and innocent. A difficult combination to raise, educate and live with, so an attempt to place the child in a home follows, but unsuccessful. The grandfather takes her back, like a thief to his own granddaughter. They go to Vidin to look for the mother. She does not expect them and leaves on the ferry for Germany. The grandfather stays in town, finds work and lodgings, and communicates with the girl in a "manly" way. But just then a social worker arrives with a letter from Germany saying that the mother wants her child...