While Sigurd Helmer is being dressed in his bishop's robes, the fanatical Tornkvist arrives at the ordination and watches from the background. Even before the ordination is over, he goes to the police. He has evidence that Helmer has stolen the office with the help of anonymous letters that slandered Tornkvist in the battle for the bishop's crozier. At the banquet in the bishop's residence, Tornkvist drops the accusation like a bomb. At the same time, he announces his engagement to Helmer's daughter, and the banquet table dissolves into complete confusion. Only Helmer's wife stands firm in her belief in his innocence. Helmer is then brought to trial, accused by Tornkvist. Based on Axel Kielland's play from 1955.