Anna, the daughter of an elderly farmer, and the farmhand Hans are in love and dream of a future together. However, Anna’s younger brother witnesses one of their secret meetings and tattles to their father, who immediately breaks up the rendezvous and dismisses Hans. The farmer has other plans: he intends to rid himself of debt by marrying Anna off to a wealthy local farmer. Hans and Anna part ways with heavy hearts, vowing eternal fidelity. Hans leaves for America, while Anna stubbornly rejects...