Lieutenant Aleksandr Grigoryev serves with an Uhlan regiment stationed in a remote town in Ukraine at the turn of the 20th century. The officers in the regiment are exhausted and spend their free time in a local tavern. One day, whilst there, the town's pharmacist introduces the lieutenant to Councillor Stakhovsky, a wealthy local man whose niece, Nina has enchanted Aleksandr with her beauty. Aleksandr receives an invitation to a party at the Stakhovskys where he dances with Nina all evening until he suddenly remembers that he has still not invited Lera, Stakhovsky's daughter to dance. As he quickly tries to rectify the situation, Lera suddenly bursts into tears. Aleksandr is taken aback by the young lady's reaction but soon learns that Lera was involved in an accident, which had left her paralysed and in a wheelchair. Ashamed, Aleksander leaves the party but buys a bouquet of beautiful roses with the last of his money, sending it to Lera in an attempt to make amends. In turn, Lera responds with a letter and an unexpected invitation.