In a small community in Norway, a young woman falls in love and gets married while dealing with her father's disapproval and the challenges of living in a rural farming area.

Mr Bernhard has financial difficulties. He has fallen into the hands of broker Mr Pouzer. In desperation, Bernhard's daughter Julia visit Pouzer to ask for mercy for her father. Yes, Pouzer replies, if I get you in return.

Year after year lord Wakefield comes to Vang to fish. One summer he meets beautiful Anne and falls in love. The following spring Anne gives birth to a daughter and leaves the baby and drown herself. The local man of the law takes care of the child and calls her Kristine Valdresdatter.

Two smugglers meet two customs officers at sea, and happen to kill them. The story continues fifteen years later when a son of one of the officers and a smuggler's daughter fall in love with each other.