The famous London rake Theo Mirkwood, exiled by his father to the provinces, took the scandalous request of his neighbor, the young widow Martha Russell, as a spicy adventure - and in vain. Mrs. Russell must acquire an heir so as not to lose the estate of her late husband, and it is not at all difficult for the handsome man in the capital to help with this. However, Theo is increasingly disgusted by the imposed role - he, having finally fallen in love passionately, intends to unite his life with Martha, to become a happy husband and father. But why does the brown-eyed widow, sharing Theo’s feelings, flatly refuse the offer?..