Stanislaw Połaniecki comes to Krzemień, the family estate of the Pławicki family, demanding the return of a loan taken 20 years ago as collateral for a mortgage. There he meets Marynia, Plawicki's daughter, and the seed of affection is born between them. Emilia, who befriends both of them, persuades Połaniecki to propose to Marynia. However, it turns out that the maiden's father does not have the money to repay the debt. Upset, Stach leaves without saying goodbye. Krzemień's mortgage debt is sold to a friend, who buys the property. Plawicki and his daughter leave for Warsaw.