On the Jutland heath near Salling lies Hegnsgaarden. Here reigns the tyrannical and brutal owner Wolle Rævsgaard. His wife Karen has been forced by her father to marry Wolle, although she loves someone else, the poor Per Søwren. When Per sees the love of his life disappear, he marries Ane, a vicious and harsh woman who, because of Per's love for his beloved books, sets fire to their poor house in jealousy, which then burns to the ground. After this episode, Per begins to drink. But wherever he goes in the area, he is welcome. His always good mood brightens up and makes people happy, except at Hegnsgaarden. Wolle has not forgotten that it was Per who was Karen's lover. 15 years have passed and Trine, daughter at Hegnsgaarden, has grown up and become a pretty young girl.