Manuela von Meinhardis, a 14-year-old orphan, is sent to a convent for senior daughters in Potsdam. Here she experiences an education characterised by Prussian drill and a lack of human closeness. The only ray of hope for her is the teacher Fräulein von Bernburg, who opposes the matron's rigid educational ideals. When Manuela confesses her love to Fräulein von Bernburg, it comes to a head. While the headmistress wants to hold Fräulein von Bernburg responsible for what happened, Manuela tries to take her own life.