: A young girl-governess, wounded by the fact that she could be suspected of theft, leaves the house of the gentlemen, despite the tempting offer.

Mashenka Pavletskaya, a young college girl, returns from a walk to the Kushkins' house, where she lives in governesses, and an unusual commotion arises. Everyone living in the house is in a state of extreme agitation. Entering the room, the girl sees how the mistress Fedosya Vasilyevna delves into her things. The lady is looking for the stolen brooch, while suspecting everyone and searching everyone.

The girl is indignant at this inspection to the core. Masha understands that she no longer wants to stay in this house. She starts collecting things. The master Nikolai Sergeich comes into the room to Mashenka. He apologizes for both himself and his spouse, persuades the governess not to leave. He admits to the girl that he took the brooch, since he needed money. After this, Mashenka makes the final decision and leaves the house.