The protagonists of the episode are two young women: Mrs. Chomińska - the wife of a bank clerk, and her sister Aniela, who is engaged to Felicjan Dulski, also a clerk. Their life in a poor and neglected town is filled with monotony and boredom. The only attractions are historical monuments, paintings by Matejko, and celebrations of patriotic events made possible by the liberal policies of Emperor Franz Joseph. However, constantly walking through galleries is not quite what two beautiful young women expect from life. One day, the sisters decide to organize an evening with dancing. Delighted by the idea, they secretly dream that the ball will change their fate. However, they are in for a cruel disappointment. The party quickly turns into a compromising series of misunderstandings, arguments, and scandals.