Marika Stiernstedt

In an unnamed country under occupation, a senior officer is killed in an attack by a member of the resistance.

When Nora's father unexpectedly dies, she moves to her uncle Berthold and his wife Alice. Berthold is immediately attracted to the 19-year old girl, but his wife, jealous and alcoholic, notices it and becomes hostile to Nora. Nora begins her art studies to become a painter and gets to know the young Johan Manel, who falls in love with her.

An important man's death brings forth a secret, revealing a daughter from another woman, previously unknown to his wife - and bringing about the meeting of the two sisters.

As his 60th birthday approaches, Jacob grows concerned that none of his sons is capable of running his company.