The story is set in 1830s, shortly after the November Uprising in Poland. Julian, a young man with artistic interests, comes back home from abroad, where he studied history of art and anatomy. He wants to visit his father and meet his new wife, Katarzyna. Julian's mother died 6 years ago and although her husband promised her that he will never get married again, he broke this oath. The woman's ghost has not abandoned the house and is waiting for the punishment for her unfaithful spouse. It also influences Julian, who falls for his attractive stepmother.