Warsaw - 1878. Stanisław Wokulski, the owner of a haberdashery store, returns from abroad. He returns with a considerable fortune, which he made from wax deliveries. He decides to expand the store and enter the salons of the aristocracy.

In the evening, the old salesman Ignacy Rzecki writes down the events of the day. By reading the diary, we learn the fate of Stanisław Wokulski and the beginnings of his love for the wealthy aristocrat, Izabela Łęcka.

Wokulski's entry into business is widely discussed. An enterprising merchant is accepted into high society after establishing a company that is expected to bring significant profits to the aristocrats. Wokulski is introduced to the president, Zasławska, who reveals a secret from years ago.

Blinded by love, Wokulski fulfills every wish of Izabela Łęcka. To please her, he buys the apartament house of the beautiful girl's father at an auction, overpaying heavily.

Desperate, Wokulski goes to Paris, where he meets Professor Geist - the inventor of an extraordinary invention. During this time, Rzecki visits the apartament house bought by Wokulski.

After returning from Paris, Wokulski comes to Zasławie - the village residence of Wąsowska. There, he meets Isabella who, seeing his success and importance in high society, begins to look at him a little more favorably.

Wokulski, to please Izabela, decides to sell the store. Meanwhile, Rzecki writes about the court cases of Baroness Krzeszowska.

Łęcka finally accepts Wokulski's marriage proposal and nothing could disturb his happiness, if not for the journey to Kraków... In the train lounge he becomes an involuntary witness of his fiancée's romance with her cousin, Starski...

Wokulski no longer sees Izabela Łęcka. Meanwhile, Mrs. Stawska's husband dies. Rzecki persuades Wokulski to marry the widow. Wokulski decides to leave the world behind.