Serf-girl Katya, brought up by the governess in the Bulgariins’ family, grows up together with her master, Gleb Fedorovich. From childhood they love each other. But their happiness is not meant to come true.
After Gleb’s death, his mother, Olga Dmitrievna, blames Katya for what happened and wants to punish her. A long-time neighbor helps her—Konstantin Romanovich, who has arrived from faraway France. He convinces the lady that there is worse punishment for a hated girl than sending her to a foreign land.
For Katya, separation from her beloved and from the familiar places is truly worse than death. Her only desire is to return home to beloved Gleb. What awaits Katya in Paris? Will she be able to pass all the trials and return home? You will find out by reading the novel.