1788. There is a Russian-Turkish war. During the siege of Ochakov, infantry officer Andrei Solomin was wounded. Having received a strong blow to the head, he loses his sight. Faithful uncle Eremey takes him to St. Petersburg to see the young doctor Grava. Andrey stays with his friend Grigory Bekleshov. He is preparing for his sister's wedding. Masha is married off to the young Count Venetsky. But on the eve of the wedding, Masha’s letters arrive at the Venetskys’ house, from which it is clear that she has an illegitimate child. The wedding is upset, and Masha’s tyrant father kicks him out of the house. Venetsky, who loves Masha, but is unable to resist his relatives, looks for her and comes to Grigory. He is furious and challenges him to a duel. He calls Andrei, who happened to be nearby, his second. Bekleshov dies, and Venetsky runs away. Now Andrei’s duty is to avenge his friend and Masha. But to whom? And what can a blind officer do without a lot of money and connections?..