Clarinda is the adopted daughter of Alberto da Silva, an industrialist facing a crisis due to excess inventory. Benedito Silveira, a representative of a European firm interested in Alberto's products, flirted with Clarinda, despite being relatively old. If Clarinda's heart belonged to him, the problem of the accumulated inventory would be solved. However, Clarinda either didn't want to, or couldn't understand, Benedito's romantic intentions. She spent her time outings with Laura, a highly experienced aviator and her childhood friend. The factory's growing crisis forced the shareholders to meet frequently. Employee layoffs were inevitable. Antonio Martins was a young shareholder who spent most of his time in clubs and cabarets. Introduced to Clarinda, he began to court her, eventually declaring his love. But Clarinda thought of no other affection than that of her adoptive father.