Stopping off at a train station eatery on his way to the town of Griboedov, pianist Platon Gromov orders a meal that will change his life. When his order comes, he's dismayed to find that the food tastes absolutely terrible. Sending it back and refusing to pay, Platon strikes up a relationship with Vera, the waitress who served it to him. Before long, they're sharing secrets -- and she learns he's taking the blame for a crime he didn't commit.