1854: Emperor Franz Joseph I is about to arrive in Prague and Veronika was among those who came to Stromovka to welcome him or were led there by curiosity. She wants to present the Emperor with a request for a pardon for her imprisoned father, as she herself is struggling to support herself and her siblings on a meager salary as a seamstress. By chance, the girl meets Bozena Nemcová, whom she admires immensely. For a time she becomes her friend and confidante. However, the young girl's naivety is taken advantage of by the police director Paümann, who has been following Bozena Nemcová for some time. Veronika, in her simplicity, tells him a lot. Only later will she understand how she has been used.