A young man studying law finds a place to stay with a young conductor, thinking that he will find an idyllic Lesser Town atmosphere here and will be able to prepare for his exams in peace. The house is inhabited by distinctive characters. The owner, who sometimes loses his memory, and his lovely, modest daughter of marriageable age live here, as do an unsuccessful painter and his temperamental wife, as well as a certain mysterious Provazník, who writes anonymous letters to his neighbors in order to have malicious fun at their expense. However, the landlady causes the young man the greatest trouble...