The story revolves around a young couple, Leshya and Nadezhda, who live in a small seaside town. Nadezhda's father, who manages a fish farm, is unhappy with her choice of partner - he wants her to marry a more prosperous suitor. He believes that a simple fisherman is not worthy of his beloved Nadezhda. Meanwhile, Potapov's partner, Verzhitsky, repeatedly hints that he wouldn't mind marrying into the family. In desperation, Nadezhda's father deceives her by pretending she is marrying Verzhitsky. In despair, Leshya sets off to sea...