The wealthy farm heir Toni loves the maid Maria, but is supposed to marry the wealthy neighbor's daughter Annerl. She only has eyes for a penniless woodcarver. Only when Toni's stubborn father dies does a future for the lovers begin.

The Catholic priest Hell takes the orphan Annerl into his house as a maid. This soon gives rise to wild rumors in the town. To put an end to the gossip, the young woman decides to get married. Her old childhood friend is the chosen one.

Markus Paltram returns to his home village after ten years. There, he is shunned because his father is believed to be a murderer. Markus falls in love with Cilgia, the pastor's daughter. However, Pia, a Roma girl, wants to win Markus for herself at any cost.