The novel tells about a family living contentedly in a small Czech town, whose peace is disturbed by a young, charming, but emotionally unstable and spoiled bride.

The Cvrková brothers continue the family tradition and honestly run a business with a variety of goods. Their step-sister helps them and they all take care of their old mother together and with love. The suffering begins when the elder Max falls in love with the daughter of a rich merchant from Trieste, whom he marries. The bride finds herself in modest domestic circumstances, suffering in the cold climate, unhappy that her husband is still working, and seeks solace in verse. He finds understanding with his brother-in-law and returns to his parents together with him. The wretched situation is topped off by a tragedy, after overcoming which the family is united again, and after a difficult, painful life experience, Max gets an overlooked but destined bride.