Master plumber Otto Engel has worked his way to a certain degree of prosperity through hard work. In the young and virtuous Elise, the pretty daughter of the local court clerk, he has found a sincere admirer who loves him more than anything. But Otto has eyes only for Ada, a dancer whom he considers far more exciting and whom he spotted some time ago at an outdoor café. In his love-stricken delusion, he is determined to marry the “sinful” Ada.