Similarly as with some of previous works directed by Uher, such as Slnko v sieti (1962), he reunited with screenwriter Alfonz Bednár and cinematographer Stanislav Szomolányi.

Restorer Eva Kamenická (Božidara Turzonovová) arrives to the village to repair frescoes of the heroines of ancient myths for the local castle.

The woman, commonly referred to by locals as "Waitress of Change", awaits the return of her husband and son, who had gone to work in America twenty years ago.

Eva sees in her a picture of the devoted and patient "Penelope", whose courage and faith impress young restorer.

Not long after she becomes close with the Secretary of the Municipal Committee, Viktor (Michal Dočolomanský), she decides to leave her daughter Mima (Jana Čeligová) with selfish husband and start a new life.