Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach tells the story of the Bohemian maid Bozena in her late-realist novel published in 1876. Employed by the wealthy wine merchant Heissenstein, she is primarily responsible for taking care of his neglected daughter Rosa. However, in a moment of distraction, Rosa manages to escape with a young officer from her parents' house. Overwhelmed by guilt, Bozena follows the couple and returns after their death with their child Röschen, only to find herself defenseless against the torment of the mistress of the house.