Ten years have passed since Benedikt Stirner left his home in Bavaria after the fatal accident of his brother. Now he returns - the father is dying. But the strict family patriarch reacts dismissively, as does Benedict's brother, Anton. He is now betrothed to Benedict's great love Johanna and fears that his brother could take Johanna away from him. In fact, the two fall in love again. As a result, Benedict draws to Anton's open hatred. He does not suspect that Anton is the only one who knows the whole truth about the accidental death of his youngest brother.