Eugene Irtenev is left a large inheritance after the death of his father. However, the inheritance is saddled with debts and he must decide whether or not to accept it. Eugene accepts the inheritance. Living alone with his mother while working on the farm. He gets introduced to a local peasant named Stepanida whose husband lives away in the city. For several months Eugene and Stepanida have encounters. Eventually, his mother thinks it is time for him to get married, preferably to an heiress who will help them with their debts. To her disappointment, Eugene falls in love with Liza Annenskaya, a charming middle-class girl, and they are married after he breaks off relations with Stepanida.
