Alwin Schmieder, his younger brother August and his friend Otto are the only men in the village who have not yet joined the LPG (the German equivalent of the Agricultural Production Cooperative).
August, who have some expertise in chickens the question does not arise either, because he is only a servant of his brother, from whom he receives food and lodging, but rarely a payment.
LPG Chairman Ernst Baldauf has so far tried in vain to convince Alwin to give up one of his empty chambers for an LPGer.
Upon receiving the letter, August truthfully replies to Karoline that he already have a bride, who responded earlier, and therefore could not accept her offer.
August tells the bewildered Alwin that he will marry and live with Karoline – on her farm and will still be a member of the LPG.
Alwin, on the other hand, was planning to talk to Karoline herself, as Amanda's will clause proved null and void because her sister Berta has already died.