After the death of her beloved mother, Nadina’s life changed for the worse. Realizing she won’t be able to pay her debts, she accepts an offer to marry an elderly Lipkin who promises to provide her with wealth. But at the memorial service she meets Grigory, who is hiding from pursuit. He admits that he stole a large sum from his boss’s safe and now has to flee. Grigory proposes that Nadya join him in this escape.