Viennese curator Dr. Martin Geiger has achieved honor and prestige in his career and has just been appointed Hofrat. In his private life, however, he is not so successful and still mourns the loss of his former holiday sweetheart. One day, the student Mariandl visits him. She is involved in the restoration of Countess Chiari's castle, who is supporting her art studies. When Martin looks through her portfolio of pictures, he unexpectedly sees a picture of her mother – Marianne, his holiday sweetheart. He is confused by the idea of suddenly becoming a father, but does not want to reveal anything to his daughter before speaking to Marianne. The resolute, single winegrower reacts very coolly to the reunion. She thinks Martin is a playboy and holds a grudge against him for leaving her with the child.
