A story about two women. Helga moves to the city for the love of her husband Arne, and gives birth to a child. But Arne proves to be a rough guy who drinks, gambles and fights and kids up in prison. Helga and her child sink into distress and poverty. Ebba's father forces her to marry the merchant Lindquist, although she loves another. Lindquist turns out to be a loving husband, and when Ebba has a child, her happiness is perfect. When the child dies, Ebba is desperate.