The story concerns Edevart Trond Peter Stamso Munch a young man who is learning about life an his place in it In the story he at first takes up with August Helge Jordal a charming trader who is at least half conman After trailing along with him for a while he decides that August is not a man he wants to model his life after He becomes acquainted with and falls in love with Lovise Margrete Marika Lagercrantz a woman living alone on a sheep farm She has feelings for him also but she remains true to her missing husband and their acquaintance does not progress to being a fullfledged romance It is not until her husband returns to her life that any resolution to Edevarts frustration which lasts for years can be achieved
