In the late 1860s, young maiden Petra grows up in a small town, the daughter of a female innkeeper and a fishmonger. In her late teens, mixing romantic infatuation with the struggle for freedom, Petra suddenly finds herself engaged to three of the town's most eligible bachelors. This brings the town to the brink of war, with street battles involving the likes of a Spanish ship's crew. Finally, Petra must escape, run out of town by a furious mob. Taken in by the kindly Reverand Holmsen, who is unaware of her identity, Petra begins a new life. A strong friendship develops between Petra and the Reverand's daughter Signe. But in time, Petra's past troubles comes back to haunt her.