Rural Finland at the end of the 19th century: 19-year-old Anna-Liisa, daughter of farmer Kortesuo, is preparing her wedding to Johannes Kivimaa.

A few days before the official announcement of the wedding, she receives the visit of Husso, the mother of Mikko who was a farmhand at the Kortesuo farm.

When Anna-Liisa refuses, Husso reminds her how four years earlier she had helped her hide the body of the baby born from her relationship with Mikko, whom she had accidentally killed.

Mikko, supported by Husso, threatens Anna-Liisa to reveal her secret if she refuses to marry him.

In 1945, a new version was directed by Orvo Saarikivi and in 1988 a television film by Tuija-Maija Niskanen.