Görk, the hardworking son of a heathland farmer, meets Nelly, the daughter of a traveling merchant, by chance and falls in love at first sight. However, his carefree brother Lutz, who has just returned from military service, soon sets his sights on her as well—and Nelly doesn't seem entirely averse to him. Finally, hoping to win her completely, Görk goes to their father and asks for her hand in marriage. He receives his father's blessing, but soon discovers that Lutz, despite his plea to leave Nelly alone, continues to try to seduce her.