Set at the turn of the century. Four young ladies in a girl`s pension differ in views on how to get ahead in life in a man`s world. Mrs. Latter is a severe governess running the pesion, with heart only for her own children. Maggie and Johanna are a pair of tutors. One day Maggie sticks up for her friend who has been accused for immoral lifestyle. She is suspected of being pregnant and that the father is Mrs. Latter`s own son. Mrs. Latter is trying to raise enough money to sent him abroad, so she goes off to see a rich landowner who once proposed to her, but on her way she meets her tragic end.