A Hearth Without a Fire

Millioner Elena Kodymová and Jiří, the son of the landowner Kristenová, would like to marry. His mother does not consent and Jiří, upset, leaves home and is involved in an auto accident. Before he dies he asks his brother Vilém to look after the pregnant Elena. Vilém keeps his promise. During the wedding ceremony he does not even glance at Elena and therefore he does not know what the girl looks like. Immediately after the ceremony has finished he disappears and Elena leaves to the residence of Habrov, which Jiří has bequeathed her. Waiting for her there is her harsh mother-in-law. Elena gives birth to a boy. When she discovers that her mother-in-law has taken the baby to her place, she has a break down. Doctor Vaněk in vain beseeches Mrs. Kristenová to return the baby. After recuperating Elena travels to Prague to see a lawyer for advice on how she can get her baby back. On the way there she meets a man whom she recognizes as her husband. However, she reveals nothing to him. Vilém falls in love with the beautiful Elena. The mother, who in the meantime has grown fond of Elena, persuades her son to begin living with the girl. So Vilém visits Elena and recognizes her for the woman with whom he has fallen in love.