Somewhere in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century: The hated minister Joel Birkman has the Universities closed down after student unrest; a student is condemned to death. When Birkman learns of plans to murder him and his family, he engages Jacob as his private secretary and bodyguard. But Jacob also has another employer ...Yet it does not take long till the whole family is captivated by his charm, the two daughters both fall in love with him and Jacob is less and less able to distance himself from the warmth and kindness of the family ...