For several years, Samuel Franzan, a high school teacher in a small Swedish town around the turn of the 19th Century, has been having an affair with Miss Fanny, a waitress at a local hotel. His colleague, Mr. Lundberg also has a mistress, Miss Astrid, the manageress of the local bookshop. Both men are anxious to keep their liaisons secret although the whole town knows about them.

When a new book of romantic poetry, "Secrets of the Heart!, is delivered to the book shop, Mr. Lundberg spreads the rumour that Mr. Franzen is the author. The book soon sells out and although at first Mr. Franzen denies any association with it, encouraged by Miss Astrid, he reveals poetic ambitions and his affair with Miss Fanny. He sends for Miss fanny's 20-year-old daughter, who has been living with her grandmother, and proudly introduces Miss Fanny to the townspeople. They frown upon the situation and he begins to regret his action. Hurt and disillusioned by her lover's ambivalent attitude, Miss Fanny decides to leave town. Miss Astrid and Mr. Lundberg argue and break off their relationship. Meanwhile Fanny's daughter has fallen in love with the local clergyman and becomes secretly engaged.

Mr.Franzen realises he needs Miss Fanny and asks her to marry him. Mr. Lundberg is reconciled with Miss Astrid. Miss Fanny refuses to marry Mr. Franzen; she prefers to go back to their old arrangement.